How Does Health and Safety Affect A Business? What You Need to Know About
Workplace Health And Safety
As new technology develops,
safety in the workplace is improving in a lot of different ways. And thanks to
health and safety regulations, workplace safety has been transformed since the
Industrial Revolution.
But as workplaces face new
challenges, the law must adapt to help keep workers as safe as possible, no
matter the job. But how does health and safety affect a business? In this
article, we’ll detail the different health and safety laws that apply to
businesses in the UK and what you can do to help keep your workers safe.
What are the main health and safety laws in the UK?
There are several
laws related to health and safety in the workplace, including:
- Health and
Safety at Work Act 1974
- Management of
Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Control of
Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
- Manual Handling
Operations Regulations 1992
- Workplace
(Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
- Provision and
Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
- Personal
Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
- Reporting of
Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
- Health and
Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
These laws help
ensure all workers are protected in the workplace. Whether they are working
outdoors in construction or sitting at a desk in an office, there are laws that
are designed to keep all workplaces safe. As a business owner or manager, it’s
your duty to enforce the guidance that will do everything possible to protect
your workers.
Why is health and safety important to businesses?
Health and safety
regulations in the workplace show just how important it is to maintain safe
practices and protect your workers. Some of the main reasons why health and
safety is important to businesses include:
It shows a duty of care
Prioritising health
and safety demonstrate that you value your employees' wellbeing, fostering a
positive work culture and loyalty among your workforce.
It can help protect against absences
By reducing
accidents and incidents in the workplace, businesses can minimise the risk of
employees taking sick leave or being absent due to injuries, ultimately
maintaining productivity levels and providing a financial benefit to
businesses.
It helps your business' reputation
A strong commitment
to health and safety enhances your reputation both within your industry and
among customers and clients. It shows that your business is responsible,
trustworthy, and ethical, something that can lead to increased customer loyalty
and brand credibility.
Of course, the most
obvious reason for how does health and safety affect a business is that compliance
with health and safety legislation is a legal requirement for businesses
operating in the UK. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in
fines, legal action, and damage to your business's reputation.
Which laws do you need to know about?
While all health and
safety laws are important, some key regulations that businesses need to be
particularly mindful of include:
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the most important piece of legislation
related to workplace health and safety. This legislation places a legal duty on
employers to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety,
and welfare of their employees at work. It also imposes obligations on
employees to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of
others who may be affected by their actions.
Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999
The Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999 help
employers to assess and manage risks to their employees and others affected by
their activities. They cover a wide range of workplace health and safety
issues, including risk assessments, training, consultation with employees, and
the provision of adequate information and supervision.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
(COSHH) Regulations 2002
COSHH regulations require employers to control exposure to
hazardous substances to prevent the spread of diseases. This includes assessing
the risks posed by substances used or produced in the workplace, implementing
control measures, providing information and training to employees, and
monitoring exposure levels.
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
These Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 aim to prevent injuries caused by manual handling
activities in the workplace. This doesn’t just include employees who handle
equipment or operate machinery, it can include basic everyday tasks that might
require objects to be moved. Employers are required to assess the risks
associated with manual handling tasks, implement measures to reduce these
risks, and provide training and information to employees on safe handling
techniques.
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992 cover a wide range of health, safety, and
welfare issues in the workplace, including the provision of safe and healthy
working conditions, adequate ventilation, lighting, and cleanliness, as well as
facilities for rest, washing, and eating.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment
Regulations 1998
These regulations set out
requirements for the safe use of work equipment in the workplace. Employers
must ensure that equipment is suitable for its intended use, properly
maintained, and used only by competent persons who have received adequate
training.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work
(Amendment) Regulations 2022 require
employers to provide suitable personal protective equipment to employees who
may be exposed to health and safety risks that cannot be adequately controlled
by other means. Employers must also ensure that PPE is properly maintained and
used correctly by employees, and that they are given sufficient training and
instructions for how and when to use it. This is an update to the original 1992
guidance, which has been amended since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous
Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
RIDDOR
requires employers, the self-employed, and individuals in control of work
premises to report certain workplace accidents, injuries, diseases, and
dangerous incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This helps the
HSE to identify emerging trends and take action to prevent future incidents.
Using work safety gear to maintain health and safety regulations in the
workplace
One of the key ways to improve
health and safety in business and ensure you follow health and safety
legislation is through protective workwear. Protective workwear can help you
adhere to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations
2022, Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and others.
Investing in protective workwear will not only help you adhere to the law, but
will ensure you keep your employees safe.
But investing in workwear safety
gear alone isn’t enough to improve health and safety in business, you need to
maintain, repair and replace it as needed. At phs Besafe, we not only provide
high-quality work gear, but we also provide a fully-managed
laundry service, taking care of all of
your workwear needs. This ensures your employees always have access to the
protective clothing they need to carry out their jobs safely and with
confidence.
Don’t let poor health and safety
affect your business. Contact us
today and join the thousands of businesses using phs Besafe to protect their
workers.