5 Changes to Make to Improve Health and Safety for Your Small Business

Maintaining health and safety has always been crucial for businesses. The HSE report on workplace health and safety in the UK indicates that 123 workers were fatally injured at work from 2021 to 2022. While this number signifies a decrease from the previous year, it remains in line with pre-pandemic figures.

Minimising the risk of fatal and non-fatal work-related injuries and occupational illnesses thus remains a priority for small businesses. With appropriate contingency plans, small business owners become more equipped to manage employee health, well-being, and productivity.

Here are the five changes small businesses can make to improve health and safety in the workplace.

1/ Conduct risk assessments

In the UK, workplaces are legally mandated to conduct risk assessments, which involve identifying and controlling risks and hazards that could potentially harm employees and other individuals. More than a legal requirement, risk assessments help employers determine which relevant safety measures must be put into place and monitored.

This reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries, creating a safer work environment for all. Risk assessments usually involve the inspection of work spaces, equipment and machinery, fire and chemical hazards, waste management, and storage.

2/ Train employees on workplace health and safety

A workplace safety culture starts with a well-trained workforce that is actively informed and involved in protecting themselves and others. Regardless of the size of your business, all employees must undergo and complete comprehensive training, including but not limited to: first aid and emergency response; safe operation of workplace tools and equipment; and use and maintenance of personal protective equipment.

For long-term employees, refresher training must be conducted to avoid complacency and continually update their existing skills. You can also exchange or announce health and safety updates through informal avenues like shift-handover meetings, team huddles, or short presentations.

3/ Adopt contactless technology

Aside from controlling the spread of COVID-19, the adoption of contactless technology can reduce the risk of other viruses and infectious diseases. Business owners can opt for automatic taps and soap dispensers to maintain cleanliness and hygiene at the workplace while also saving costs from excess water and soap use.

Since doorknobs and handles can be sites of contamination, contactless employee check-ins through QR codes and sign-in apps are essential upgrades. Contactless payment solutions for small businesses can also create a seamless experience for both employees and consumers with mobile card payments via email links or virtual terminals. Through contactless technology, small businesses can streamline workplace processes without compromising accessibility and revenue.

4/ Use safety signs and signals

Employers must put up safety signs when significant risks to health and safety still remain despite the implementation of all adequate measures. In all places and activities where employees and business operations are involved, workplace safety signs and signals must be provided to quickly communicate important information.

These signs must be clear and legible to inform the reader about prohibited actions, safeguards to follow, hazard warnings, traffic routes, or directions for fire exits and emergency procedures.

5/ Maintain a health and safety checklist

The comprehensiveness of workplace health and safety guidelines may be a daunting task for employers and employees alike, which is why maintaining a list can help remind everyone and keep them up to date with any changes.

Our post on health and safety checklists for small business reminds business owners of their duty to regularly assess the workplace to prevent illness, injury, and even death. The checklist also emphasises the need to prepare a health and safety policy and record all workplace accidents to prevent them from reoccurring.

Conclusion

It takes considerable time, effort, and resources to keep the workplace safe, healthy, and productive—but the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Therefore, small business owners must continuously rethink and reevaluate how they manage their employees and utilise their work environments.

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