What does health and safety mean?
Firstly, let’s begin by answering the question “What is health and safety?” Health and safety means keeping people safe and free of harm. In a work capacity, this involves providing a workplace that is:
- Safe from accidents and injuries
- Free from exposure to harmful substances
- Free from excessive noise or other environmental hazards
- Comfortable and conducive to good physical and mental health
- Compliant with the relevant health and safety regulations
One of these regulations is the Health and Safety at Work Act which covers the duties and responsibilities set out by the government to protect employees from risk.
Defining Health and Safety in the workplace
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.
How to protect your business from risks
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 assured and CPD accredited. We provide users with general and specialist training to ensure a safe and secure workplace.
Moral, legal and financial responsibilities regarding health and safety in the 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.
The Benefits of a Strong Health and Safety Culture
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.
Getting health and safety right with Access eLearning
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.
