Health & Safety
SafeWise provide health and safety consultancy to small and medium-sized businesses across the West Midlands. We act as your competent person, which the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require every employer to appoint, and we write and review your H&S policy, risk assessments, fire risk assessments, safety audits and inspections, accreditations such as CHAS and Constructionline, and classroom training. You can take this as a monthly Health & Safety membership or as individual services; call 01922 279129 for a quote.
In the UK, good health and safety practice is a legal requirement and a basic part of running a business responsibly. Here are some of the main reasons it should matter to you:
Legal compliance. Compliance with health and safety laws in the UK is mandatory for all businesses. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places a legal duty on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees and others who may be affected by their activities. Failure to comply with health and safety regulations can result in legal action, fines and damage to a company's reputation.
Employee welfare. Companies have a duty to protect the health, safety and well-being of their employees. This includes providing safe working conditions, training and equipment. Neglecting employee welfare can lead to more accidents, injuries, absenteeism and low morale, which in turn affects productivity and staff retention.
Risk management. Identifying and managing workplace risks is essential. This involves carrying out risk assessments to identify potential hazards and putting measures in place to control or remove them. Failing to manage risks properly can result in accidents, injuries and long-term health issues for employees. It also exposes the company to legal liabilities.
Organisational reputation. A strong health and safety record contributes to a positive corporate image. It shows a commitment to responsible business practice and employee well-being. A poor record can damage a company's reputation, leading to a loss of customer trust, negative publicity and difficulty attracting and keeping good staff.
Financial implications. Putting health and safety measures in place reduces the financial burden of accidents, injuries and legal penalties. Accidents and their legal consequences can mean significant losses, including compensation claims, higher insurance premiums and fines.
Productivity and continuity. A safe working environment supports employee productivity and business continuity. Workplace accidents disrupt operations, causing downtime and lost output. Good health and safety helps keep the business running steadily.
In short, health and safety underpins legal compliance, employee welfare, risk management, reputation, financial stability and the long-term health of the business. Treating it as a priority is a sound business decision as well as a legal duty.
Having access to competent H&S advice can be a support, aid efficiency and reduce stress, allowing you to focus on the things you are good at.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Regulation 7: health and safety assistance
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires employers to appoint competent person/s to provide health and safety assistance. Companies can appoint a competent person from within their organisation or obtain advice from external safety advisors.
The cost of full-time internal competent H&S advice for small to medium companies can be disproportionate to the requirements. Engaging SafeWise to provide competent health and safety advice is a cost-effective way of fulfilling your legal obligation.
But we offer a lot more than that
- Your SafeWise advisor will work with you in implementing H&S management systems
- We will review and update your H&S policy, ensuring it is an integral part of your business
- We assist clients in obtaining industry-recognised safety accreditations
- We will assist and advise on how to complete suitable and sufficient risk assessments
- We will advise on training requirements as well as providing both classroom and online training platforms
- You will have access to free safety legislation training sessions for your directors, managers and supervisors
- We can carry out safety inspections for offices, sites, factories and industrial units
- We can carry out fire risk assessments for your work premises or sites
- We provide interim safety audits of your management systems and documentation
You'll be surprised how inexpensive having us on board to assist with managing your health and safety responsibilities is, so why not call us on 01922 279129 today to find out.
