There are many health and safety essentials when it comes to running a business. Most are required by law, and some are optional. Yet there is a great concern if you lack any of them.
Inspect and Replace Failing Appliances
Like any business, you probably rely on specific appliances for safe and continued operations. So it is vital to carry out necessary checks and inspections. For example, you risk electric shock or failure without regular portable appliance testing (PAT). PAT testing helps identify dangerous or failing devices. But it also extends to necessary equipment for health and safety. For example, suppose your portable refrigeration units fail overnight. You may not notice, and food will be spoiled, costing money. But it could also initiate a public health issue like salmonella.
Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
If there is an inherent danger to your employees, you are usually compelled to supply PPE. For example, working with dangerous chemicals, handling bacteria or biohazards, and working in severe temperatures are common. Recently, you will also be required to supply PPE for any person who may come into contact with COVID-19. Not providing adequate protection endangers lives. At the absolute least, your company will face financial penalties. In the worst-case scenario, your company could be forced to close its doors.
Health and Safety Essentials Include Preparedness
You may help your staff stay safe in a worst-case scenario incident by preparing them for it, in addition to particular health and safety training. A good example is regular fire drills. With fire drills, you can ensure that everyone knows what to do if the fire alarm goes off:
- Ensure all employees know the difference between an emergency and a test.
- Provide information about muster points across your business on posters.
- Remind employees about emergency policies such as not using elevators.
Other emergency procedures, of course, can be beneficial. These include active shooter scenarios, which are becoming all too common. You can also provide training for chemical leaks, blackouts, and natural disasters like earthquakes and extreme flooding.
Have Safety Policies in Place
You cannot be held accountable for your employees’ activities. However, you bear some of the responsibility if they behave inappropriately or neglectfully. However, you can reduce your company’s liability by doing everything possible to guarantee that your staff is routinely evaluated regarding safety standards. If an employee acts carelessly to the point of endangering others, you must enforce policies through disciplinary action. A regular safety supervisor can also be of great assistance in raising safety awareness.
Pay Attention to Security
It doesn’t matter what your business is. You require security personnel and devices. Furthermore, because your company is likely to contain valuables, criminals may target these. Employees might also act against you. In the USA alone, the cost of employee theft costs American businesses over $50 billion per year. You can use private security to protect sites with valuables. Yet, for the most part, alarm systems and CCTV cameras are enough. However, these are quality-dependent, and you can install smart devices for better control.
Summary
You can keep your company’s health and safety essentials in check. Some of the most pressing include appliance inspections and PAT, emergency planning, and adequate security procedures.