If you run a business, your primary focus may be to ensure that the books are balanced, but this doesn’t mean that you can take your eye off the ball when it comes to health and safety. All employers are required to comply with guidelines, which are in place to reduce the risk of workplace accidents and work-related illness. If you’re not compliant, it could end up costing you a lot of money.
Preventing common accidents
The most common types of workplace accidents are slips, trips, and falls. In most cases, an employee will be liable for a slip. However, there are scenarios when an employer could be held liable for an accident. If the floor was slippery and there wasn’t a warning sign in place, or the flooring was in poor condition and problems that had previously been reported had not been resolved, you may find yourself facing legal action. To avoid this type of accident, it’s essential to carry out risk assessments on a regular basis and to ensure that any issues are reported and addressed swiftly. There should be procedures in place to deal with spillages and aisles, stairwells and corridors should be well-lit and kept clear of obstructions.
Fire safety
Fire safety should be a concern for all employers, and every company owner should be aware of the minimum requirements when it comes to staff training and providing equipment, such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets. If you do have extinguishers on site, make use of services like Jim’s fire extinguisher testing. You’ll need to ensure that any equipment you do have meets safety standards and regular tests will give you peace of mind that the extinguisher will work properly if the need arises. As an employer, it’s wise to make sure that every person knows what to do if a fire breaks out. Regular drills are recommended to ensure that everyone is familiar with the evacuation process.
Protective equipment and training
There are certain jobs, which pose a higher risk of danger than others. If you manage a construction company, for example, you’ll need to ensure that your workforce has the relevant personal protective equipment to do the job safely. If you provide faulty or damaged equipment or items that don’t make the grade, you will be liable for any accidents that occur as a result. Any equipment that is used by employees should be safety checked on a regular basis. If employees are required to operate machinery or engage in tasks that may put their health or safety at risk, they should have suitable levels of training.
If you’re an employer, you want to make a profit, but you also need to make sure that your staff is safe at all times. You may think that you can save money by flouting the rules, but neglecting safety will almost always end up costing you in the long-run. Running a compliant business will eliminate the risk of unwanted attention and costly legal affairs, as well as promoting productivity.