Ensuring the safety of your workplace is not just a legal responsibility but a crucial aspect of running a business. By implementing proper safety procedures, you can protect your staff, customers, and clients from potential harm and create a smooth operation without accidents or injuries.
Creating a safe working space
It is vital to protect your staff and visitors while they are in your workspace. Check with government and local authorities for the legal requirements applicable to your workspace for keeping people safe and reducing risk of accidents. A hairdressing salon, for example, will present different hazards from those in a tech start-up or a construction company.
Almost all types of business premises – from a home office to studio or retail outlet to manufacturing site, where customers or contractors may visit – need to meet basic obligations in order to keep workers and visitors safe. Carry out risk assessments and act on any issues that arise, instruct staff on safety procedures and ensure that all equipment is installed correctly and is regularly maintained.
Proper safety precautions also help to protect your premises and the assets to the business from damage due to accidents.
Protecting yourself and others
When planning or setting up a workplace, pay attention to the following key areas to protect yourself and those working for you or visiting your premises. There is a chance you could be prosecuted if your business premise is found to be in violation of basic health and safety laws following an injury.
1. Hygiene
Provide regularly cleaned toilets with a hand-washing and crying facility, as well as bins for secure waste disposal. If you offer hospitality services, you must incorporate additional hygiene measures.
2. Food handling
Ensure staff that are involved in food prep are trained to meet the legal requirements for: food hygiene and storage, the proper cleaning of utensils and equipment and pest control measures.
3. Fire
Follow government and local directives on the fire safety responsibilities of landlords and commercial tenants. Appoint key employees as fire marshals; hold regular fire emergency drills for all staff.
4. Toxicity
Avoid harm to people and animals by preventing their exposure to chemical or gas toxins, such as asbestos, cleaning agents and machine fumes. Follow local regulations for the disposal of toxic waste.
5. Gas & electricity
If you are renting premises, be aware of the landlord’s responsibilities to provide electrical and gas safety checks. Inspect for defective plugs, broken switches and damaged cables. Make regular repairs a priority.
6. Machinery and equipment
Fit guards around dangerous machinery, display warning notices and ensure operatives are fully trained. Protect equipment users against excessive noise, heat or cold, vibration and radiation.
7. Trips and falls
Make sure that lighting is adequate and that floors are non-slip and kept free from obstructions. Clearly mark any sudden changes in floor height. Supply stable ladders for staff working at heights.
8. Personal protection
Issue staff with the appropriate clothing and equipment to give them adequate protection in their working environments, such as face masks, ear defenders, safety boots, gloves and helmets.
9. Lifting & moving objects
Teach staff how to lift objects safely, and discourage moving heavy or irregular items that could cause injury. Store heavy objects on low shelves nearest to the entrance. Supply trolleys or other equipment for moving large stock items and materials.
10. Vulnerable people
Some individuals – whether employees, customers or general visitors – will need special consideration when on your premises, for example, pregnant women or people in wheelchairs.
11. Safety notices
Clearly display signs that follow local regulations and reinforce workplace safety procedures such as hygiene and waste disposal routines, hazard warnings and what to do in the event of fire.
12. First aid
Give first-aid training to employees. Ensure that first-aid supplies are readily accessible, in plentiful supply and that injured persons get immediate attention. Appoint a safety officer to report and record all incidences.
13. Mental health and well-being
Recognize the importance of mental health in the workplace and promote a supportive environment. Provide resources for stress management, mental health awareness, and access to employee assistance programs.
14. Cybersecurity
Educate employees about cybersecurity best practices, such as creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and safeguarding sensitive data. Implement security measures to protect digital assets and customer information.
15. Continuous improvement
Regularly review and evaluate your safety policies and procedures to identify areas for improvement. Seek feedback from employees and involve them in the decision-making process to create a safer working environment.
