Employees are a valuable asset to any business therefore it is vital that strict health and safety rules are adhered to so that they are protected within their working environment.
In actual fact, a business needs to know that any person who comes into contact with a company premises, products or service needs to do so in a safe environment. If you are a business proprietor, it is down to you to make sure this happens.
When it comes to health, safety and the environment a business must make sure that it complies with the law and the first, most important thing you must do is look at your business from every angle and assess in detail what aspects could cause harm to your employees. It could be anything from protecting people from slippery surfaces to providing them with essential pieces of uniform and equipment like a hard hat, steel capped boots or a screen filter and comfortable seat.
You need to be aware of accidents waiting to happen and deal with any potential hazards accordingly and if you have five or more employees, by law you need to have a policy in writing detailing how you protect them. Any procedures you do decide upon must be successfully relayed to your employees. This could be through training, written information or signage and could be anything from recording accidents when they happen, having a first aid kit to fire procedures.
If you are unsure of your legal duties you can contact the Health & Safety Inspectors from your local authority. They will be able to come and look at your premises and advise you as well as later visits to ensure you comply. You should also exploit their knowledge and advice to find out whether you do actually need to register your business with the HSE or your local authority’s environmental health department and what kind of insurance you would be wise to have.
When it comes to caring for the environment you need to look in detail at anything that may affect the environment you work in. It could be not causing a nuisance, which might affect someone’s health or irritate neighbours to disposing of harmful waste appropriately. These are legal requirements but even things as simple as conserving energy and recycling could improve the environment you and your staff work in.
It is a good idea to sit down with all employees and make a list of everything people see as a potential health and safety issue. If everyone is involved, not only will they feel an instant commitment to the environment they and their fellow colleagues work in, but you will also receive a more thorough overview of potential issues.
Employees and customers make your business so ensure you place strong emphasis on their health and the safety of their environment.
