Not keeping up to date with health and safety can not only be harmful to your staff but can also be hugely damaging to your business. Outsourcing health and safety takes away the biggest headache for many small businesses.

As your small business grows, it’s easy to forget about some of the basics.

When staff numbers keep increasing and profits rise, your time becomes even more precious.

Which is when you might start to let some of the smaller things slip, like does your premises still have a suitable number of toilets? Is all your electrical equipment safety compliant? Do you have enough first-aid training in place?

Although such examples might seem quite inconsequential, they’re important. Because when something goes wrong, such as an employee suffers an injury with no first aiders available to help, a business risks facing legal action and a damaging penalty fine.

According to the Government, small businesses consider health and safety as its biggest regulatory headache and the most substantial obstacle to success.

Of course, no employer sets out to put staff in harm’s way. We understand why safety in the workplace is not only important but also essential. We know that if we don’t provide a safe working environment for our employees, and for those who use our facilities, the consequences can be devastating. It’s most often just a case of being unaware that a hazard even exists, let alone putting your staff in danger. But when employers find out, it’s often too late.

Small businesses face large fines

If a company has failed in its health and safety obligations, then large fines will result.

Financial penalties rose sharply from February 2016 with the introduction of new sentencing guidelines; the aim was to try to ensure employers take greater care and take their responsibilities more seriously.

A fatality or a serious accident now doesn’t even have to occur at a workplace under the new guidelines for considerable penalties to kick in.

In 2017/18 businesses were fined £72.6m for health and safety offences. Fines worth £1m or more for breaches of health and safety legislation have become the ‘new norm’ within the UK. There were 19 cases with fines exceeding £1m imposed by the courts in the 12 months to 31 October 2018.

Reading up on health and safety legislation is time-consuming

The work of compliance is a minefield, with new and updated regulations constantly coming into effect and regularly causing a headache for businesses, especially for smaller firms which don’t have the capacity or budget to employ a dedicated employee to oversee health and safety. The benefits to be gained from outsourcing to experts are huge. Outsourcing health and safety to a qualified expert frees up your time to focus on running your business.

Outsourcing health and safety

Health and safety compliance is a legal requirement but beyond the scope of most small businesses to hire a full-time compliance officer. Outsourcing health and safety provides expert help on an as-and-when basis. A qualified outsourced expert may point out risks you were unaware of, shutting down possible legal action. Planning and pre-empting heads off potential risks.

A competent consultancy can also offer access to a collective pool of expertise from a team of qualified professionals at the touch of a button. Other outsourcing health and safety services to be expected include routine visits and the completion of policies and other important documents that would otherwise have to be written in-house.

Employees need to be trained

Even if you are on top of health and safety law, every piece of legislation requires you, as an employer, to provide your workforce with appropriate information, training and supervision. This isn’t an option, it’s a legal requirement – no matter how small your firm is.

However, this is often overlooked as an obligation, leaving your business open to accidents, legal action and reputational damage.

A health and safety specialist consultancy will be able to offer bespoke training courses, hosted by experts covering a selection of specific topics, ensuring legal requirements are met.

5 questions to ask if you need to outsource health and safety

  • Do you employ a designated staff member who helps you meet current health and safety standards?
  • Do you have a written health and safety policy statement setting out your company’s approach to ensure your staff safety? Any company with more than five employees needs to have one
  • Has your small business carried out risk assessments in relation to all significant sources of harm (hazards) arising from its activities, and recorded the results?
  • Does your company have arrangements in place to report accidents, injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences? These are called RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) and require you to keep records
  • Do you provide adequate health and safety training? Has your company assessed the capabilities and training needs of all staff about health and safety?

If the answer is no to any of the above, you may not be legally compliant. Outsourcing could be the next logical step.

How much does outsourcing health and safety cost?

Health and safety cover from Salus can cost as little as £22.50 per week for your business.

Salus Health and Safety Advisory Service offers:

  • Access to a Health & Safety expert 24/7
  • Certificate of Membership to our H&S Advisory & Competent Person Service
  • Updated Health & Safety Policies
  • Updated Risk Assessments & Method Statement
  • Updates on new legislation and industry best practices
  • Access to over £700 worth of the latest E-Learning H&S Training
  • Annual review and risk assessment training
  • Assistance with your SSIP Accreditations

Remember, it’s paramount that health and safety isn’t taken lightly or seen as being optional. 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 the smallest of 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