Article by Melanie
Health and safety in workplace environments encompasses a whole host of different issues and difficulties which must be abided by.
Many companies now have health and safety policies to comply with legal regulations covered by the Health and Safety at work act of 1974.
For example, risk assessments should be undertaken on an (at least) yearly basis. This is because as an employer you have a duty of care to look after your employees in the workplace to the best of your ability. A risk assessment spots potential hazards as it involves a walk round of the premises to see if any halls, rooms or exits which are blocked or are seen as a potential risk to employee health and safety. Other health and safety procedures include health and safety audits and fire prevention procedures.
There should be at least one competent person in every workplace that is assigned to take care of these health and safety responsibilities.
For businesses that employ over five employees, an official record should be kept to prove that the risk assessment has taken place and as a reference for when the next risk assessment is due to take place.
Some issues which would be covered by health and safety standards include (but are not limited to):? Ensuring all machinery is safe to use and in good operative order? First aid facilities are easily accessed? Emergency procedures are planned and clear? There is adequate ventilation and lighting for all employees? The temperature is at the correct level for the type of work being carried out? There is access to clean drinking water? There is no other risk to health
Health and safety is important because if anything happens on your watch you could be held liable , you do not want to risk your employees being harmed in any way. Regular checks of the premises help to ensure everyone is happy in their environment and are appropriately comfortable in their work place. This includes checking the temperature and ensuring there is enough access to fresh air, something which is difficult for some buildings if there are no windows. It is your responsibility to keep your employees away from harm and this is why health and safety is taken very seriously. Employees should be encouraged to report anything potentially hazardous to somebody senior immediately.
Penalties to businesses which break health and safety regulations can be extremely severe and are not taken lightly.
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