We get it, sometimes, you can get caught up and busy in everyday business life. You have an operation to maintain, sales to get and people to keep happy. Often though, this can be at the detriment to health and safety standards within the workplace and it’s our job to remind you to keep on top of them. It’s both your moral and legal responsibility to foster a productive, sustainable, positive and safe environment.
In this blog, we will cover 5 signs your business needs a health and safety review. This will help you highlight whether you need to make some imminent changes. We will cover:
- Increased incidents and near misses
- Outdated risk assessments
- Non-compliance with legislation
- Low employee morale and high absenteeism
- Frequent equipment failures
Let’s get into the 5 key signs you may require a health and safety review…
Increased Incidents and Near Misses
If there is a rise in workplace incidents or near misses then that is a clear sign that something needs to change. If left, you can almost guarantee that another one will result in an injury or worse. Slips, trips, falls, electric problems and anything of this ilk are near misses we are looking to reduce or eradicate.
A clear set of systems and procedures must be apparent to help prevent these and if there isn’t then you need to review your policies. In this scenario, we would recommend that you conduct a detailed investigation of each incident and near miss. Look for patterns in when and where these events occur.
A health and safety review should identify any gaps in risk assessments and ensure that all employees are trained on safety protocols. Consider implementing more frequent training and reinforcing the importance of following safety guidelines.
Outdated Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are mandatory documents within any business but they need constantly updating to keep in line with regulations, changes in your building and more. They help you identify potential hazards, assess the level of risk they pose, and implement measures to reduce or eliminate the risks.
However, if your business hasn’t updated its risk assessments in a while, you could be exposing your team to unnecessary dangers. The simple solution here is to schedule regular risk assessments reviews and ensure they reflect the current working environment.
Non-Compliance with Legislation
Health and safety regulations are constantly evolving, with changes in laws, industry standards, and best practices. Businesses must comply with health and safety legislation specific to their industry and in general. Failing to meet these legal requirements can lead to hefty fines, legal action, or even the closure of your business in extreme cases.
A thorough health and safety audit or review will ensure you have all the equipment, procedures and people in place. Staying proactive in your compliance efforts can save you from costly penalties and improve your workplace’s overall safety culture.
Low Employee Morale and High Absenteeism
When there are low health and safety standards, it can directly result in lower employee morale and higher absenteeism. This can cause chaos within your business and cost you even more on recruitment and solving these internal issues. Unsafe working conditions, or even the perception that an employer does not prioritise safety, can make workers feel undervalued, contributing to increased absenteeism.
Frequent Equipment Failures
Machinery, tools, and equipment are at the heart of many businesses, especially in industries like manufacturing, construction, and logistics. Regular maintenance and proper operation of equipment are critical to ensuring workplace safety.
If your business is experiencing frequent breakdowns, equipment malfunctions, or even failures, this could be a warning sign that health and safety practices around equipment use are not being followed. This could relate to poor maintenance of the equipment or it isn’t being used properly.
Either way, the solution is to get a professional look at the equipment and introduce proper systems.
The Importance of a Proactive Approach to Health and Safety
Health and safety issues can lead to a range of negative consequences, from minor injuries to major accidents, legal troubles, and reputational damage. You do not want to entertain any of these which is why it is best to get your health and safety reviews done regularly to keep everything in line.
Here’s a quick recap of when your business might need a health and safety review:
- Rising incidents or near misses signal gaps in safety procedures.
- Outdated risk assessments leave potential hazards unaddressed.
- Non-compliance with legislation exposes you to legal risks.
- Low morale and absenteeism might indicate safety concerns.
- Frequent equipment failures suggest maintenance or usage issues.