Businesses and employers have a duty of care to employees, customers and anyone else who visits the workplace.
Health and safety rules and regulations vary from business to business, and risk assessments should be carried out to identify and reduce any risks. Here we look at a few common risk reduction methods across a variety of sectors.
Manual Handling: Proper manual handling techniques are essential for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. By following correct procedures, you can reduce the risk of injuries and ensure the well-being of yourself and your colleagues.
PPE: Using PPE is not just a matter of compliance with regulations; it is a matter of personal safety. By wearing the appropriate PPE, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury or illness while on the job. PPE acts as a last line of defense when other control measures are not sufficient to eliminate hazards. Examples include safety helmets, goggles, hi-vis clothing, and safety boots.
COSHH: COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It is a set of regulations put in place to protect workers from the health risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace. These substances can range from chemicals and fumes to dust and biological agents.
Use of Ladders: Selecting the right ladder for the job is crucial. Always inspect it before use, and climb and descend the ladder with caution. Use stabilizers if required.
Hygiene: Good hygiene is essential for everyone in the workplace at all times. Examples include covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoiding touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth, and washing and drying your hands before eating and after using the toilet.
Correct Posture at Desks: To maintain correct posture while sitting at a desk, keep your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest, do not cross your knees, legs, or ankles, maintain a small space between your knees and the seat of the chair, ensure your knees are the same height as your hips, and relax your shoulders.
Maintain Equipment: Ensure that all equipment is regularly serviced and that any repairs are promptly taken care of. Regular checks can help you spot faults before they become real issues.
Keeping a Well-Stocked First Aid Box: Regardless of the size of the business, it is important to have a properly stocked first aid box. Monitoring its contents on a monthly basis is crucial to ensure that supplies are ordered as needed and that equipment is in date and sterile.
Have Regular Fire Drills: While they can be inconvenient, regular fire drills are essential. They help new and existing employees become familiar with your organization’s emergency procedures. A fire drill should be carried out at least once a year.
