Health and safety is a key concern in modern business. First of all, as an employer, you never want to see your workers suffer an injury or accident. Secondly, you have a legal responsibility for their care while they’re on site. Many business owners ignore health and safety. After all, what can go wrong in a simple office? Well, more than you think!

Of course, some work environments are more hazardous than others. Factories, laboratories, and farms are among the most dangerous scenarios. However, don’t think that means your office is completely safe. Hazards are everywhere. Wet floors, loose wires, and unattended boxes are just some of the threats that your employees may face. And if an accident were to occur, you can leave yourself open to personal injury claims and employee liability lawsuits. After all, the employee or customer affected has every right to claim for compensation because it happened in a professional establishment.

Furthermore, if you’re not appropriately protected, it could be financially devastating to your company. It could also damage your reputation, which is the last thing you should want to deal with. So, to prevent all of this from happening, here is how you can improve your health and safety credentials.

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Know the law and hire the experts

The first step is understanding your responsibility according to law. Employment law is complicated and intricate, and you need to make sure your business complies. The expert teams at Peninsula Group Services can explain your legal obligations in full. These teams will also analyse your existing structure and help bring you into line. Don’t let any weaknesses catch you out.

Regular inspections

It’s easy to get complacent when it comes to health and safety. Even if you’ve gone years without an accident, you never know what’s around the corner. It’s crucial that you maintain regular inspections and audits, such as an iso compliance audit. It’s best to use an independent team outside your company. That way, they’ll spot the weaknesses you’ve missed. Always look for new ways to tighten up and improve your safety credentials.

Signs and Barriers

One thing an inspection will often highlight is lack of safety considerations in the environment. Things like warning signs for hazards like steam, barriers like Steel Street Bollards to block access to restricted areas, or safety railings for catwalks or ladders. Having warnings and protections in place all help to reduce safety and security issues in the workplace and are one of the pillars to promote good safety.

Communicate with your employees

Good health and safety starts with communication. After all, your employees are the ones working in this environment every day. Do they feel safe and comfortable in their job role? Ask them what you could do better to improve their health and safety. Could you provide additional equipment or better protective solutions? Your employees often have the best answers here!

Training

Ongoing training is essential to creating a safe and healthy work environment. First of all, make sure your induction programme and training are thorough and exhaustive. It should include everything from fire safety to first aid basics. The importance of first aid training cannot be overstated, and employer can enroll their employees in training courses such as cpr refresher, emergent first aid programs, etc. In addition to that, provide specific training for any equipment or tools they may use in their job. Lastly, try to create a culture of learning. Repeat the training regularly, and introduce new classes when new equipment is installed. Knowledge and confidence are at the heart of safety.

Keep records and investigate incidents

It’s vital that you keep a record of any incidents, no matter how minor. By doing this, you can get a sense of where the biggest hazards are in the workplace and learn how to avoid them. Keeping records helps you prove a positive safety record too, should you need it.

Health and safety in the workplace are one of your most important considerations as a business. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it’s also simple common sense!