There are several boxes to tick when setting up a new business, including registering with HMRC and ensuring your paperwork and financial projections are in order. But health and safety is often overlooked.

Health and safety is in fact a vital component for new businesses, and particularly for those that hire staff.

It is a legal requirement for health and safety strategies to be in place.

Not sure where to start? Here is a guide to some of the components you’ll require to build your own strategy.

 

Risk assessment

It’s important to identify any potential hazards that could cause injury within the workplace. These should be outlined thorough a risk assessment undertaken by an appointed health and safety officer.

If there are any hazards in the workplace then appropriate controls should be put in place, including relevant safety notices.

Other controls, such as creating access-only areas, providing personal protective equipment and ensuring that all workers have been made aware of potential hazards will also help to protect your employees.

 

Policies

Producing and publishing written policies can be an effective way of ensuring staff members and visitors are aware of the workplace health and safety procedures.

The policy should highlight your own commitment to managing health and safety, as well as outline the responsibilities of the business and staff towards creating a safe environment.

The policy should be regularly reviewed to ensure it is up to date and in line with current risk assessments.

 

Insurance 

Proper business insurance is crucial as part of a health and safety strategy as it provides coverage in the event of an accident or injury that results in a compensation claim being made.

Liability insurance is essential for business owners and policies should be in place before any work on your premises commences.

 

Registration and responsibility

It’s important to make sure that your business is registered with the relevant authorities and that a member of the team, or an appointed agent, has a full understanding of the applicable laws and regulations that govern health and safety.

Smaller firms may choose to appoint an existing staff member to this role.

Training should be provided at regular intervals. This may be in-house and delivered digitally or through an external course.

 

Cooper Accounting helps to equip newly-established businesses with the tools and information they need to get off the best possible start.

We’d love to work with you. Get in touch to set up an informal chat.