Do SMEs need to provide Health and safety training?

 

Introduction

We speak to so many small business and SME business owners and mangers every month and the first question we are often asked is "Does health and safety training apply to us?"

The answer is very simply, YES.

All employers have a duty of care and are required to provide adequate health and safety training to employees that is relevant to their role and the activities that they carry out.

Here are the top 3 health and safety training requirements that often get overlooked by SMEs but are 100% essential to have in place, as required by UK legislation.

1/ Fire Safety Training

It is a requirement in law that all employees undergo basic fire safety training. This is at point of joining your business and then periodically from there with refresher training.

Real life example - “We had someone come in once about 4 years ago to talk to us about the different types of fire extinguishers, do I require this.”

Answer - Yes you do, as a matter of absolute priority.

2/ Display Screen Equipment Training

If your employees use computers then you are required to provide them training on the safe use and working practices of using such equipment.

Real life example - “I only have 6 people in the office using computers, do I require this?”

Answer - Yes you do.

3/ Manual Handling Training

If your employees regularly lift, carry, push, pull and move things by hand or with bodily force then training on the correct way to carry out manual handling is required.

Real life example - “We don't have any 'stock' as such to move around but our guys do carry boxes of paperwork up and down the stairs to the office, do I require this?”

Answer - Yes you do.

Conclusion

Should you choose us or any other training company it doesn't matter but please do not overlook the importance of providing adequate health and safety training to your employees.

Waiting until it is too late can pose serious risks both to the health, safety and welfare of your team and the security of your business.

Are you ready to protect your staff and your business by providing the right health and safety training to your employees?

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Guidance, Health and SafetyOllie Limpkin