Health and safety is often portrayed in a negative light, bearing the brunt of pedantic jokes. However, when it goes wrong, the impact on businesses can be catastrophic and all good humour is quickly forgotten. For this reason alone, ensuring health and safety is at the top of a company’s agenda is imperative. Larger firms are often considered to be better equipped to ensure all regulations are being met as they are likely to have the financial resources to do so, leaving smaller companies feeling like they’ve fallen short.

The work of compliance is a minefield, with new and updated regulations constantly coming into effect and regularly causing a headache for businesses, especially smaller firms that don’t have the capacity or budget to employ a dedicated employee to manage health and safety. With this in mind the benefits to be gained from outsourcing to experts are immense.

The cost of employing a qualified expert in the health and safety field is prohibitive for small businesses, what’s more there is unlikely to be enough work to occupy or justify the employment of such an experienced professional on a full-time basis until the business expands. These are commonly the reasons why SMEs tend to place health and safety on the back burner.

To add further difficulty, there are numerous legal requirements that businesses have to meet in order to employ an in- house expert to manage a company’s health and safety, such as the need for sufficient training, experience and knowledge of the industry. The cost of sending an existing employee on a suitable training course to reach this level of expertise is unlikely to appeal to a small business as the expenditures would be both costly and timely.

A viable option

Outsourcing health and safety, therefore, quickly becomes a more viable option, helping SMEs to diminish the financial issues of hiring an in-house expert, and greatly reducing operating expenses by providing instant, 24/7 advice on all health and safety regulations. A competent consultancy can also offer full access to a collective pool of expertise from a team of qualified professionals at a touch of a button. Other services that should be expected include routine visits and the completion of policies and other important documents that would otherwise have to be written in-house.

What’s more, in order to maintain legal compliance, employers are required to ensure all employees are equipped with the appropriate level of knowledge and skills to carry out their roles safely and responsibly. A health and safety specialist consultancy will be able to offer bespoke training courses, guaranteed to be hosted by experts covering a selection of specific topics to ensure legal requirements are met.

As health and safety should be interwoven through a company’s everyday work activities instead of being seen as a separate commodity, it’s vital the consultants hired for the job tailor their programme specifically to the business at hand. Services including risk assessments, policy and procedures, strategic reviews and liability assessment all need to be created with an immense understanding of the company and the services it offers: a ‘one size fits all’ solution just won’t work.

The right time to outsource health and safety

One of the key challenges for SMEs is recognising when the time is right to outsource, or even whether their business would actually benefit from a consultancy. However, there are five key questions that will help determine whether outsourcing is valuable. These include:

  1. Do you employ a competent person who enables you to meet the current health and safety requirements?
  2. Do you have a written health and safety policy statement setting out your company’s approach to ensure the safety of your employees and others who may be affected by your business? (Applies to companies with five employees or more)
  3. Has your company carried out suitable and sufficient risk assessments in relation to all significant sources of harm (hazards) arising from its activities, and recorded the results where more than five persons are employed?
  4. Does your company have arrangements in place to report accidental injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences under RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) and keep records?
  5. Has your company assessed the capabilities and training needs of all employees with regard to health and safety and provided adequate health and safety training?

If a company answers no to any of the above, it indicates that they may not be fully legally compliant and outsourcing could be hugely beneficial and the next logical step.

It’s paramount that health and safety is considered a key area within a company and isn’t taken lightly or seen as an optional expenditure. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places general health and safety duties on the employer and the consequences of not complying with regulations can be devastating, so it’s crucial businesses, including SMEs, cover themselves.

How can we help you?

If you’re in need of assistance with any aspect of health and safety compliance, here at Salus we’d be delighted to help.

Salus provides health and safety support for small businesses. Arrange a free consultation with one of Salus’ local consultants today.

For any queries or questions regarding our health & safety services please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 01978 801856 or e-mail one of our health & safety consultants on support@salusservices.co.uk

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Testimonials

The Salus team are fantastic. Nothing is ever any trouble for them. Anything we have ever asked for has been immediately dealt with. They are a key provider for my company and give me comfort allowing me to run my business on the day to day stuff knowing I have their support at the back of me. Thank you Salus keep up the good work.”

Atlas Trading Ltd

Salus Services have always provided us with excellent service over a number of years, they constantly keep us updated on health and safety news and updates that are relative to our industry and are always there to support us when we need them with prompt professional advice and assistance, we would highly recommend them”

Primal Systems Ltd

We have worked with Salus Services Ltd for over 2 years and they continue to amaze us at B&R Fabrications Ltd, their knowledge of all safety aspects is always first class, informative and importantly up to date. We have no problems in recommending this company for all aspects of Health & Safety advice and support.”

B&R Fabrications Ltd

Salus have been our H&S Advisers for several years now and have always provided a knowledgeable, professional service with a prompt response to any of our H&S requirements.”

Hallam Heating Ltd

We have worked with Wayne, Alice and the team for a number of years. Now. They have always provided a first class service with rapid responses to any health and Safety advice we may need for our construction projects.”

Specialist UK Restorations Ltd

We have a tiling business and Salus sort all our Health and Safety needs. Alice is always great to deal with and very helpful. Highly recommended!!!!!.”

Farndon Tiles Ltd

We’ve been working with the guys at Salus Services Ltd for around three years now and the Health and Safety support and advice provided is always first class. Knowledge levels appear to be really high and the ability to act swiftly to our needs is always top drawer. Thanks Wayne, Alice and the Salus team for your ongoing support.”

Firesec Compliance Ltd

Salus have always been a pleasure to work with. The support for my business has always been above and beyond and they are always on hand for any queries I may have. I could not recommend them more.”

Felix Nyss

I have worked with Salus Services Ltd for over 3 years and their knowledge of all safety aspects is exceptional, informative and up to date. I have no problems in recommending this company. Wayne and Alice are very helpful and always on hand to provide advice and support on all aspects of Health and Safety.”

Quadriga Contracts Ltd

I received on site support at Alpro UK from Wayne Jones, OHS Consultant (Salus Services) today. Wayne attended site at the agreed time and supported the accident investigation. Wayne was prompt, professional and the visit was received extremely well by our customer. Wayne also committed to produce the accident investigation report within 24 hours. Again, this prompt action by Tetra Pak and Wayne was very well received by our customer. Wayne’s support was excellent, and I would like to pass on our appreciation to him.”

Tetra Pak UK Ltd

We are very satisfied with Salus Services who regularly provide us with detailed H&S Advisory services which is always appropriate and consistent with the latest legislation.”

Morgan Davies Construction Ltd

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FAQ's

I’m worried about health and safety, but don’t know where to start?

Outsource to a health and safety consultant who has specialist knowledge and expertise in the field of health and safety who will take the worry away for you. Read More

I’m Looking to Keep my Business Health and Safety Compliant, What Does it Involve?

Getting matched with a highly qualified Health and Safety Consultant and keeping your H&S procedures up to date. Read more

How much does it cost for a Health & Safety Consultant?

The right health and safety consultancy should save your business money. Read more 

Why Should we Choose Salus Services as our Health & Safety Consultant?

Well, we have a reputation for being a practical Health & Safety Consultancy who help construction contractors and companies be Health & Safety compliant. Read more

 

What Could Happen if I just do My Own Health & Safety?

Health and safety laws are there to protect you, your employees and the public from workplace dangers. Breaches of these laws can have serious consequences if your policies and procedures are out of date, that’s if you have any! Read more

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Health and Safety Consultant?

By choosing the right health and safety consultant, they can take your worries away and should save your business money. Read more

Who Needs a Health and Safety Consultant?

Every business who wants to provide a safe work environment for all of its employees and every business owner who wants to protect them and their company. Read more

Why Should I Hire a Health and Safety Consultant?

As a professional consultant, they’re fully dedicated to their role and will not get bogged down by your company’s internal affairs, nor are they influenced by your past safety record. Read more

How can I be legal and be able to Protect myself, my company and my employees?

By following an easy 3 stage step by step process, which starts by completing our 15 Step Health & Safety Checklist to see how you’re doing. Read more

So, Who Hires a Health & Safety Consultant?

Every business who wants to provide a safe work environment for all of its employees. Read more

What Does a Health and Safety Consultant Do?

A health and safety consultant is hired as a third-party professional with specialist knowledge and expertise in the field of health and safety. Read more

What Should I Look for When Hiring a Health and Safety Consultant?

It’s essential when hiring a health and safety consultant that you check to see if they hold the properly recognised qualifications and can meet your specific business needs. Read more

What is a ‘competent person’ in relation to Health & Safety?

To be considered ‘competent’, an individual must have sufficient training, experience and knowledge of health and safety in order to assist you properly. Read more

Do You Know What Health & Safety is Required in my Sector?

No two companies are the same, and this is recognised by Salus. A broad-brush approach to health and safety will not only fail to address the specific hazards you face, but won’t be geared towards your particular needs, leaving you feeling short-changed. Read more