Why is Health and Safety Compliance Important?

As a business owner, you need to comply with current Health & Safety regulations.

There are certain basics you can follow to ensure you do just that. You can call us on 0800 028 2420 and we’ll talk you through what you need to know.  

Or you can read through our insightful guide, which provides useful information about your legal obligations.

What is compliance in Health & Safety?

Compliance in Health & Safety extends beyond meeting legal duties.

It also incorporates the underlying aims and objectives of regulations and may include any necessary licences, permits, and protocols. 

But what is non-compliance in Health & Safety? It’s where your business fails to comply with legal obligations, industry standards, and recognised best practises.

Health & Safety compliance requirements

The HSE provides the following guidance:

1. Appointing a competent person to manage your Health & Safety.
2. Identify hazards and carry out risk assessments.
3. Provide information and training to your employees.
4. Prepare a Health & Safety policy.
5. Consulting employees when necessary.
6. Providing the right facilities.
7. Maintaining first aid standards.
8. Insuring your business.
9. Reporting on accidents and any illness.
10. Display the Health & Safety Law poster.
11. Understand the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

How Peninsula Business Services can help

It’s essential to have a Health & Safety compliance process—this will make sure your business follows existing laws.

But in busy business life, small and medium-sized organisations can find it difficult to find the time for risk assessments and other essential procedures.

Failing to look after the wellbeing and safety of your workforce can result in serious consequences.

You can refer to an industry-leading business consultant for immediate assistance—contact us on 0800 028 2420 and we’ll explain, in clear terms, how you can manage your safety requirements.

We have over 30 years’ experience assisting small and medium-sized business with their Health & Safety requirements.

How to ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation

First, you need to remember that Health & Safety compliance can be a challenge due to a lack of knowledge or time.

But it’s essential you provide a safe working environment. This’ll ensure employees work to the best of their abilities, while being free from potential dangers.

To help with your compliance with Health & Safety legislation, you can carry out a risk assessment of your workplace. And you can use online Health & Safety software to monitor your records and policies.

You can also complete training courses to help you understandHealth & Safety compliance and improve levels of competence.

This’ll provide you with Health & Safety compliance certificates as proof of passing.

Health & Safety penalties for non-compliance

Compliance with Health & Safety regulations is essential. Failure to follow good Health & Safety practises can result in accidents, incidents and ill health.

This can have a significant impact on the business, the employees, and the individual directors or senior managers of the business.

Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 legislation, it’s important you meet current UK laws.

In severe cases, the maximum penalty for a serious breach of the law (sections two-six of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974) is an unlimited fine and, potentially, two years imprisonment.

This highlights the importance of maintain high standards in your business, whether you’re a construction company, in an office environment, or in retail.  

Health & Safety compliance checklist

Below you can refer to a list of essential steps to take. Please note, this is an outline only. You may wish to add to this, depending on the nature of your business.

In your list, you should look to include the following items:

• Certificates and posters.
• Fire risk assessment checklist.
• First aid equipment.
• The management of electronic equipment.

Other essential checks, such as:

• Staff awareness of free eye tests.
• Monitoring any mechanical cutting equipment.
• The locations of filing cabinets.
• Appropriate training checks for staff when necessary.
• Clean food preparation areas.
• Corridors and passageways free from tripping hazards.

We can help you with Health & Safety consultancy for the above, so you have the appropriate documentation and policies for your business.

The benefits of Health & Safety compliance

There are various advantages to following laws and procedures. These include:

• Reducing absences: With a safe working environment, you have employees protected and free from injuries. This will reduce the number of absent days.
• Avoiding employment tribunals: Injuries at work can result in claims by staff—these can be costly for you—as well as damaging to your public image.
• Improving your business’ reputation: With a strong safety record, you can attract talented employees eager to work for you. And promote a positive public image.
• Improving productivity: If your employees are feeling safe, they’ll go about their duties to the best of their ability. Unsafe working environments, however, don’t promote confidence—that can lead to productivity drops.
• Protecting your employees: You want to keep your employees safe so they’re able to do their jobs for you—following safety procedures will keep them free from injury.

Need our help?

Peninsula offers expert advice on Health & Safety compliance. Our teams provide 24/7 Health & Safety advice which is available 365 days a year. We take care of everything when you work with our Health & Safety consultants.

Want to find out more? Contact us on 0800 028 2420 and book a free consultation with a Health & Safety consultant today.