Every business is required to comply with a variety of health and safety regulations. These regulations are designed to protect employees, customers, and the general public from harm. However, many businesses overlook some of the most important health and safety regulations, putting themselves at risk of serious penalties.

 

Sometimes businesses feel that health and safety has gotten out of hand and some government requirements really go too far. This is why some businesses push back, not because they are not aware of the health and safety regulations, but because they think that they’re not practical and they are also cost prohibitive. They fail to understand that equipment needs to be checked on a regular basis. While health and safety is important for both themselves and their employees, they have other things to worry about like increasing profits so that they can keep the business open.

 

These concerns are relatable, but the thing to understand is that health and safety is there for everyone’s benefit. If you don’t follow the rules, then it can have a detrimental effect on your business, your customers and your employees. This is why it is essential that you spend the time and the money taking advantage of a retail shop risk assessment consultancy service so that you can get it right the first time. You always have to keep in the back of your mind that failing to put in place essential health and safety procedures can result in a serious injury and in some cases, even death. This is not something to be playing around with and you can understand why government departments are inflexible in this regard. The following are just some of the overlooked health and safety regulations that might force you to close your business if they are not followed.

 

Your Responsibilities As An Employer

 

This is a role that is not to be taken lightly and you have very many responsibilities as an employer to make sure that you both provide and ensure a safe working environment for all of your employees. The first thing that needs to be put into place is health and safety training so that equipment at work is safely maintained and that its operation ensures staff welfare.

 

Manage The Risks

 

In order for this to happen, every business must carry out some kind of risk assessment and once the risks are established, action must be taken to reduce or get rid of the risks completely. You must put in place a person whose job is to make sure that health and safety is followed in the workplace. There needs to be a health and safety policy in place at all times that provides all employees with the information that they need. This is why you need to take advantage of a 24 hr health and safety advice line for employers.

 

A Safe Working Environment

 

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Depending on the scope of your business, you must provide essential ventilation for your staff, which includes windows that can be opened and closed when needed. Proper lighting must be provided at all times. You must provide toilets and changing rooms for your staff. It is also essential that you provide drinking water at all times and that regular breaks are provided.

 

Everyone must understand the importance of health and safety in any workplace. Your reputation is at stake here. By going to an expert, you can avoid getting on the wrong side of the law.