What is Health & Safety and What Does It Mean for My Business?

When it comes to employee health and safety, it’s important to understand who is responsible for what. It is predominately the employer who is responsible for implementing health and safety procedures, but everybody in the workplace has their contribution to make.

By adhering to safety protocols, reporting hazards, and actively participating in safety initiatives, workers contribute significantly to a culture of safety. A strong health and safety culture is built on open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to wellbeing. 

Now we have covered the health and safety meaning, let’s explore some practical ways you can protect your business from risks. 

Identify Workplace Hazards 

Your business’s first port of call should be to identify any workplace hazards and respond accordingly to reduce risks. This approach not only protects your employees but also safeguards your business from costly accidents, legal liabilities, and damage to your reputation.

Carry out a risk assessment

Conducting risk assessments are a vital part of workplace health and safety. By carrying them out correctly and properly, you will ensure that legal requirements are met and that the workplace remains safe. You should consider providing Risk Assessment eLearning to your workforce to give them the skills and information they need to work safely. 

Prevent harm with employee training

Equipping your employees with the training they need to work responsibly by law is a crucial responsibility. Depending on their sector or industry, it may include topics such as:

• Asbestos Awareness
• COSHH
• Accident Reporting

Our suite of health and safety training is RoSPA accredited CPD assured. We provide users with general and specialist training to ensure a safe and secure workplace. 

Let’s now look at some of the responsibilities an employer has regarding health and safety in the workplace.

Moral

It is important to ensure your workforce is not at risk of injury or illness, and for the right training to be put in place - after all, they go to work to do their job, not put their lives in danger. The right type of training must be rolled out to minimise the risks, giving everyone the resources and knowledge they need to work safely.

Legal  

From a legal perspective, there is a duty of care that employers and employees owe each other. Adequate precautions and care must be taken to prevent injury and reduce risks. With nearly two million workers in Great Britain suffering from work-related ill health in 2022/23, it’s important for organisations to handle risks correctly.

Financial

There are often costs associated with accidents at work, including time off for employees, expensive investigations and fines that may be imposed by regulatory bodies. These financial burdens can have a significant impact on businesses, both in terms of direct costs and indirect costs such as lost productivity and damage to reputation.

Implementing robust health and safety measures isn't just a legal requirement; it's a strategic investment in your organization's well-being. By cultivating a strong safety culture, you can:

• Improve employee morale
• Increase productivity and reduce absenteeism
• Stay legally compliant
• Enhance the reputation of your company

An investment in your team's wellbeing will not only protect your organisation from legal risks but also help to create a more positive and productive work environment.

Now you should be in a position where you understand what H&S is, the requirements of the employer and how health and safety will impact your workforce. Find out more about our Health and Safety course catalogue to give your workforce the training they need to navigate tricky situations safely.