Keeping tabs on workplace health and safety standards is something every employer must do. Not only does it prevent recourse to civil action, but it also ensures that the welfare of employees remains paramount at all times. Standards differ according to the nature of the occupation. Whilst a construction site may prescribe scaffolding for engineers and workmen, a pharmaceutical manufacturer my prescribe face masks for its laboratory staff. Every profession therefore has a standards association to handle concerns particular to itself. When it comes to workplace health and safety London is no exception.
Your Responsibilities
As an employer you are responsible for the welfare of employees during the course of their employment. For example, it is your responsibility to pay for any medical expenses if your workers are exposed to contamination on the premises and have to be hospitalised. Ensuring that safety standards are maintained at all times is therefore crucial.
It is only when harm is suffered outside the employment relationship that you aren’t bound to pay. In other instances it could be that an employee failed to exercise the standard safety precautions resulting in physical harm. In such a case you will generally be relieved of liability.
Keeping A Check List
It’s one thing to realise the importance of health and safety, it’s something else altogether to actually follow through and implement what is required in your industry or trade. Keeping a check list of your responsibilities is definitely a good start. Every employer has a legal duty to:
* Inform employees of potential workplace hazards and provide protective gear accordingly.
* Carry out regular risk assessments and put control measures in place to minimise risks.
* Service equipment whose malfunctioning can lead to the tragic loss of life.
* Maintain a worker’s compensation fund from which employees will be paid in the event of accidents occurring.
* Provide in-house training in health and safety. This can take the form of regular disaster response drills.
Like I said earlier, it all really depends on the nature of the occupation.
Enforcement Of Health And Safety Standards
You don’t carry out your business in a vacuum where the outside world doesn’t have an over-arching influence over your operations. As such – and in line with legislation- there are a number of enforcement agencies that are tasked with ensuring that employers are abiding by any predetermined rules and standards. So don’t be surprised when a health or safety inspector knocks on your door and politely asks to ‘take a look’ as they always do.
Health and safety standards are important. They protect your employees -and yourself- from occupational hazards that can lead to injury, and even death.