A role for academia in improving health, safety and well-being in the workplace

In the UK, there is a view at times that there is no role for academia in the practice of health and safety. There are claims that practice and experience are more crucial to effective practice. In this article, pertinent questions are explored as to the reasons why these views exist in the UK. The value of academic learning in professions traditionally viewed as skills based are examined briefly. Critical concerns regarding the mismatch between current health and safety practices and contemporary research are then highlighted with a view to reiterate the need for close engagement between the academic and practice domains.