Many firms may be tempted to cut back on health and safety in the workplace in these tough economic times, however, doing so could prove to be a false economy.
That is according to Stuart Scott, lecturer in occupational health and safety at Cardiff Metropolitan University, who told WalesOnline.co.uk that financial pressures have led firms to look at ways of reducing their expenditure.
While workplace safety may seem like an area where cost savings can be made, doing so could come back to haunt businesses when the economy picks up.
"It's more important that people look at the health, safety and wellbeing of their employees because they do need their employees and will in the future when there is more money," Mr Scott told the website.
Sian Fisher, an information officer at Citizens Advice, told the Belfast Telegraph recently that employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment for members of staff.
