Forget January – September and October have a new reputation as THE best time of year for a whole life reset: people right across the UK are leaning hard into their exercise, diet and mental wellbeing.
So why not take the opportunity to brush up the health and safety in your workplace?
We know you’ve probably had a busy Summer, with people away on holiday and the rest keeping business running as usual. Health and safety compliance, while always crucial, may not have been top of your priority list.
But now that everyone’s easing into a more normal routine, it’s time to ask yourself:
- Are our risk assessments up to date?
- Have outstanding health and safety actions actually been completed?
- Are our premises REALLY as safe as they could be?
Don’t worry! Autumn, with its back-to-business new start vibe, is the ideal opportunity to carry out your own health and safety check.
Are you taking care of your people?
Being compliant with health and safety regulations isn’t simply about having a folder full of policies and risk assessments, according to health and safety professionals Bison Assist.
You need to demonstrate that risks have been identified, you’ve put appropriate controls in place, actions are followed through and – crucially – that your staff understand their responsibilities.
So your prep needs to look at the whole practice rather than focusing on one or two obvious hazards.
Here are some areas you need to consider:
Are your general workplace risk assessments current, and up to scratch when it comes to keeping everyone who uses your premises safe?
Advice from Bison’s expert risk assessors helps you determine whether the controls described on the paperwork are actually being followed in areas as wide-ranging as accidents and incidents, first aid facilities, chemical safety and housekeeping.
Your fire arrangements should look at issues including whether escape routes are clear – including evacuation for patients who may need help – and checks that fire doors and fire extinguishers are working correctly.
It’s crucial that your staff know what do in an emergency, and where to assemble.
Areas that might cause issues in a blaze aren’t always apparent, and once again it’s valuable to get professional advice from an expert fire risk assessor who can provide guidance on any potential risks.
Water systems can become a nasty risk if they aren’t properly managed.
You need to be checking and recording water temperatures every month and recording them in a log book, and keeping your risk assessments up to date is a legal obligation. Discover more.
Your Bison risk assessor will consider issues such as infrequently used outlets, whether temperature recordings are being taken properly, and whether there are places in the pipework where stagnant water builds up.
Can everyone use your premises safely and with dignity? Accessibility is part of providing an inclusive service, not simply something to address when an inspection is approaching.
Bison risk assessors help you think beyond the entrance ramp.
They can cover everything from accessible parking and toilets to good signage, trip hazards and the needs of people with visual or hearing impairments – and if there are problems, they will make practical suggestions for improvement.
A risk assessment is a great opportunity
A thorough risk assessment not only identifies hazards and sets out appropriate control measures, but also provides an action plan to make sure those measures are implemented, monitored and reviewed.
Bison says: “Protecting people’s health and wellbeing is a continuous process, and this is a great time of year to make sure you are doing everything you can.
“Good health and safety management means understanding your risks, taking action and keeping your arrangements under regular review. A Bison risk assessor is a valuable member of your team, offering advice throughout the year whenever you need it.
Gain not only great health and safety at work, but also peace of mind!”
Find out more about Bison Assist’s health and safety services