One of the most important things to consider when setting up your new
business, whether it’s accountancy or building, is health and safety.
But don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be complex, just be sure to seek
professional advice if ever you are unsure about your responsibilities.
Take responsibility
Legally you are obliged to decide exactly who will be responsible for
health and safety in your business. Many bigger companies delegate this
to an external consultant so that they can concentrate on other things,
but new business owners usually accept this task themselves. You must
ensure that you or your appointed person is competent to take charge of
your health and safety.
Health and safety policy
As a start up you are unlikely to need a written health and safety
policy (it’s only required if you have five or more employees), but it
wouldn’t hurt to have a written record of the risks you have identified
and how they will be handled. No matter what type of business you run,
your health and safety policy should describe how you will:
- prevent accidents and work-related ill health, and control risks arising from work activities;
- provide adequate training for all your employees, ensuring they are competent;
- discuss health and safety conditions with your staff, providing advice and supervision;
- implement emergency procedures, such as emergency evacuation plans in case of fire.
Risk assessments
Every type of business will present a different set of risks and
hazards that could affect its employees, visitors, customers and even
those just passing by! For example, a member of the public passing by a
window cleaner could be at risk from falling objects if the window
cleaner hasn’t properly considered the risk and taken steps to reduce
the likelihood of it occurring.
Of course, no one expects you to completely eradicate all risks and
hazards. Many of them will be part and parcel of your new business –
hazardous tools and electrical equipment are used in every trade and
industry, from gardening to hairdressing and construction. But you must
be aware of the risks they present and take reasonably practical steps
to protect anyone to whom they could present a risk.
Health and safety training
As a new micro business, you’re unlikely to need to delegate the
management of your health and safety to others, but if you don’t have
the required knowledge or experience to handle it – seek training with a
professional and reputable organisation. The additional cost may seem
unnecessary – but it will ensure that you fulfil your legal obligations
and help keep you, your employees and your customers safe.
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