It’s safe to say this year has been a year to remember for the growth of the business world, with 850,000 new businesses booming since the start of lockdown across the UK.
There’s so much to consider when starting your own business. From employing new staff members, to organising suppliers, and securing premises for your office – it can feel like a never ending list.
But high on that agenda should also be your businesses health and safety regulations.
In this article, we look at ways to successfully implement such regulations across your organisation.
Why Is Health And Safety Important?
Not only do you have a duty of care as an employer to ensure your staff members are safe around the office and during working hours, but placing focus on health and safety also demonstrates to employees that they are valued. Showing your workers this, lets them know that they’re working for a company that leads by professionalism and doesn’t let protocol slip through the cracks. Your HR department should take care of all health and safety inductions with new staff members as and when they join the team.
Having the Appropriate Health and Safety Equipment
According to official HSE guidance, “The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with less than five employees and to the self-employed.” In order to align with these health and safety laws, it is a good idea to have several first aid kits on your premises in case of medical emergencies. Whether these are less serious instances, such as supplying plasters like those from RS for small cuts, or more sinister issues which require help from the emergency services. Having a first aid kit can be a helpful tool to utilise until medics arrive.
Mental Well-Being
As well as physical health, you should have equal concern for the mental well-being of each of your staff members. Mental health is becoming more and more recognised as an issue that should be approached openly, so treating staff with sensitivity and empathy can help them to open up about things they may be struggling with outside factors that could be affecting their performance at work. Kindness is key. Make sure your staff members know they are working for a company that understands the importance of mental health. You can help to demonstrate your dedication to this cause by getting involved in social campaigns such as #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek where you can arrange company fundraisers for selected mental health charities.
