Health and safety – don’t be afraid of your responsibilities
“Health and safety.” Those three words conjure up a variety of thoughts, but add “Executive” and “visit” and most companies shudder at the thought. Why? Well in our experience, they are not sure they are legal and have all the correct documentation.
With acronyms like LOLER, PUWER, COSHH and DSE, it is no wonder a number of business owners become confused and avoid doing anything. It really can feel like a minefield.
There have been legal requirements regarding health and safety for a number of years. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (also referred to as HSWA, the HSW Act, the 1974 Act or HASAWA) is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in Great Britain.
The law imposes a range of duties of employers, the self-employed and employees. These are expressed as broad general duties in the Health and Safety at Work Act, but subsidiary regulations, such as those dealing with the management of health and safety and specific health and safety, issues impose more detailed legal requirements.
When we are working with clients, the most common comment that is passed to us is: “I never thought that when I started my business I would need to not only be an expert in what I do, but also in the law.”
But, you don’t have to be. Getting the right help and support is vital and by gaining accreditation, such as BS OH SAS 18001:2007 certification, which is the recognised health and safety accreditation, enables you to take control of your responsibilities and keep on top of what you need to be doing at all times.
Find out more about health and safety accreditation and start to your journey to reduce your worry and become legal.
