As a SME there is a lot to take into account when ensuring the smooth day to day running of the company and keeping on top of risk assessment and health and safety can often fall by the wayside. Many heads of businesses simply do not see it as a key business objective and therefore it can be overlooked quite easily; however, what is worth noting is that failure to understand the risks and costs that comes with overlooking health and safety procedures and regulations, can be detrimental to the future of the business.
Also, health and safety are becoming an integral part of submissions by many of the larger companies. And if you’re not including a safety report in your bid then you may be overlooked, which will have a direct impact on your business growing.
Workplace health and safety is one of the most important social responsibilities businesses should undertake to ensure they are looking after their employees during their working day, not only does it make good business sense – but it can also prevent serious accidents from occurring and costs mounting.
Investing in workplace health and safety is an investment in your employees and your business success. Benefits of investing in health and safety can include:
- Positive trends with employee morale and turnover
- Reduction in sick days
- Consistent customer service
- Stable production
- Positive impact on business reputation and brand capital
- Competitive advantage for recruiting new talent
Consequences of neglecting health and safety can include:
- Injury, illness and property damage
- Time and cost of workplace investigations
- Time and cost of insurance claims submission
- Increased insurance costs
- Overtime costs to cover lost production of injured worker
- Time to replace skilled workers due to injury, illness and turnover
- Negative impact on business reputation and brand capital
It will take some time to develop the requirements for your health and safety program. NWHS Consulting has been designed to help make this process easier. And remember, the first step is to demonstrate your own commitment to health and safety by setting the example in your workplace.
Risk Assessment and Compliance
Research showed that health and safety standards are not being met by more than half of small and medium-sized enterprises. If this is you, it could be seriously affecting the way you run your productivity and profits. It might be that you are willing to implement certain health and safety rules, but your lack of awareness is hindering the ability, and if this is the case there are many places you can undertake risk assessment courses to help you. Or you could just ask us, NWHS Consulting.
If you decide to do it yourself, then take the time to do an e-learning course. It will help you understand how to make your business safety; as well as, show you how to undertake risk assessment.
Don’t Underestimate A Slip or Trip Hazard!
One of the most common and costly workplace incidents for businesses involve slips and trips. 20% of all injuries that result in workers being off work for several days, is a result of a slip or trip Also on an average of two people die each year as the result of a fall in the workplace.
This is an example of why workplace health and safety are important. Good safety is about identifying the potential harm that may happen in your workplace, and the harm this will cause to your business. Slips or trips seem so minor, yet seeing someone go to hospital brings home the importance of safety.
Conclusion
It’s important not to underestimate the risks that this kind of situation can present. As an SME, you might think that health and safety compliance will never affect you, but the smallest incidents can amount to huge costs, and protecting your business, as well as protecting your employees could save you money in the long term.
If you are looking to raise health and safety awareness throughout your business, contact NWHS Consulting. However, if you decide to go at it alone, then at the very least, complete a recognise course and make safety a priority in your business.