EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES
By law, employers are responsible for health and safety management in their business.
It is an employer’s duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and other people who might be affected by their business. Employers must do whatever is reasonably practicable to achieve this. This means making sure that workers and others are protected from anything that may cause harm, effectively controlling any risks to injury or health that could arise in the workplace.
Health and safety law states that organisations must:
- Provide a written health and safety policy (if they employ five or more people);
- Assess risks to employees, customers, partners and any other people who could be affectedby their activities. Risk assessments should be carried out that address all risks that might cause harm in your workplace.
- Arrange for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of preventive and protective measures.
- Ensure they have access to competent health and safety advice.
- Employers must give employees information about the risks in their workplace and how they are protected, also instruct and train employees on how to deal with the risks.
- Consult employees about their risks at work and current preventive and protective measures.
Failure to comply with these requirements can have serious consequences – for both organisations and individuals. Sanctions include fines, imprisonment and disqualification.
BENEFITS OF GOOD HEALTH AND SAFETY
Addressing health and safety should not be seen as a regulatory burden: it offers significant opportunities.
Benefits can include:
- Reduced costs and reduced risks.
- Employee absence and turnover rates are lower.
- Accidents are fewer, the threat of legal action is lessened.
- Improved standing among suppliers and partners.
- A better reputation for corporate responsibility among investors, customers and communities.
- Increased productivity – employees are healthier, happier and better motivated.
Please get in touch if you would like further information on how effectively Managing Health and Safety can help your business. You can either send an email to info@wrm-ltd.co.uk or contact us directly on 01943 468 138.
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