Keeping it Simple
Health and safety can be overwhelming for SMEs. With so much to consider, it is easy for health and safety standards to slip. Many are unaware of their legal obligations as an employer, and it stretches far beyond high-risk industries such as construction. Health and safety hazards are all around us, regardless of the industry and legislation applies to every business. We’re here to take away your health and safety headache and offer 5 simple tips to ensure you are a company that takes your health and safety seriously.
1. Have a Health and Safety Policy
Having a health and safety policy ensures you can demonstrate how your organisation manages and prevents risks. It explains to your employees and other interested parties how you will comply with health and safety laws.
A health and safety policy is a legal requirement if you employ five or more people. If you have fewer than five employees, it is still strongly recommended that you have one.
So, you know you need a health and safety policy, but what else should you include? Make sure your policy is written down and clearly states who does what, when, and how. Candy Management Consultants are happy to assist with your health and safety policy, Contact Us today.
2. Know Fire Safety Law
A piece of legislation called the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that your building must have:
- Clear escape routes to a place of safety
- Firefighting equipment such as blankets and fire extinguishers
- Fire alarms
- Fire-resistant doors and windows
- Emergency lighting
- Safe storage of dangerous and inflammable materials
- Appropriate staff training
If your building or office lacks any of the above, you will need to make alterations, or you risk being in breach of the regulations. Penalties for non-compliance include fines or even prison time.
In addition, you or a competent person must carry out an additional Fire Risk Assessment. Candy Management has a team of experts qualified to carry out this service. Book Your Fire Risk Assessment.
3. Don’t Forget Employee Welfare!
Your employees are arguably one of the most valuable assets to your business. Make sure as an employer that you are looking after their wellbeing. Health and safety law also says you must meet basic standards for employees.
Although common sense says you can’t let staff go without these basic amenities, it’s worth outlining legal obligations:
- You must provide sufficient clean and working toilets – including hot and cold water, soap, towels, or a hand dryer.
- Drinking water must be provided for staff, either from the tap or in bottles.
- Working areas should be kept clean, and waste regularly removed.
- The temperature of your employees’ working environment must be a minimum of 16 ºC, or at least 13 ºC where they are physically active. Thermometers should also be made available
- A smoking policy must be implemented in line with the law – smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces and commercial premises.
The above list is not exhaustive. To ensure you are fully compliant, we advise that you check with health and safety professionals such as the consultants here at Candy Management. Get in touch.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1995
These regulations ensure that suitable personal protective equipment is provided to employees who may be exposed to risks while at work.
Personal protective equipment must be assessed as suitable and must be properly maintained. As an employer, you should take all reasonable steps to make sure that any personal protective equipment for employees is properly used.
Implement ISO 45001
ISO 45001 is the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management Systems and exists as a framework to ensure the safety and wellbeing of workers and other stakeholders. The standard aims to improve health and safety processes to prevent accidents and illness in the workplace.
Workplace injuries and health issues can have a significant impact on productivity. Employers can be faced with many issues: fines, downtime for injured employees, and moral obligations to name a few.
Benefits of ISO 45001 for companies:
- Reduced employee absenteeism
- Established controls to ensure legal compliance
- Increased health and safety awareness
- Enhanced reputation
- Attract and retain talent
- Reduced insurance premiums
- Addressed business risks and opportunities
Getting Started with ISO
Are you in need of support when it comes to health and safety management?
Candy Management Consultants are a friendly team of experts within the ISO and Health and Safety industries. We serve clients nationwide and make sure all our services are provided promptly and have an 100% success rate.
If you want to prevent health and safety accidents, and meet stakeholder requirements, implement ISO 45001 into your company and receive the benefits. Click Here for more information on ISO or Get in Touch.