Almost a third of small business managers are failing to keep up with current legal obligations

Almost a third of small business owners and managers are putting themselves, their employees and their businesses at risk by failing to keep up to speed with their current legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act, according to the latest research by leading finance providers, Bibby Financial Services.

For the full details of this startling finding, please see the release below. If you would like to speak to a spokesperson from the Bibby Group, do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Best regards, Deborah

Are Britainís businesses safe and sound?
Bibby Financial Services warns small firms to comply or risk everything

Despite the fact that looking after the health, safety and welfare of employees is a legal requirement, the latest research from leading business finance provider, Bibby Financial Services, shows that almost a third (30%) of Britainís small business owners and managers are putting their businesses at risk by failing to keep up to speed with their current legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Just 21% of bosses claim to be ìvery familiarî with the latest legislation, demonstrating that where the health and safety of employees is concerned, there is still a lot of work to be done to improve ownersí and managersí understanding of the legal requirements.

When it comes to carrying out health and safety risk assessments, a staggering 23% of small business owners and managers never assess risks in the workplace. This is despite the fact that there is a legal requirement to physically inspect work premises to identify potential hazards to employees as well as visitors. The implications are serious - not only are thousands of small businesses in danger of failing spot checks from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) but a member of staff or visitor could be seriously injured as a result.

Accidents at work cost UK business dearly. A survey by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) calculated that more than 24 million workdays are lost each year by firms failing to implement basic health and safety procedures. Work-place accidents now cost UK businesses approximately 2.5 billion in lost trade each year.

According to Peninsula, the employment law firm, 78% of businesses put health and safety issues to one side because they are struggling to deal with existing red tape. The poll found that just 39% of small and medium sized businesses have a clean record sheet with no reported employee injuries.

In recent years, there has been a huge surge in work-related tribunal applications, with the average cost of defending a claim around 5,000*. This could threaten the very survival of smaller businesses that just do not have the financial resources to fight employee claims in court.

Commenting on the findings David Robertson, Chief Executive of Bibby Financial Services said, ìRunning your own business is a bit like a juggling act, if you donít keep your eye on every ball, then things start to go wrong. It is easy to forget the important issue of health and safety at work when there are so many other seemingly more pressing considerations such as raising finance, looking after cash flow, dealing with the tax man and keeping up with the competition. With insurance premiums rocketing and red tape levels still rising, it is perhaps not that surprising that health and safety issues get over-looked. However, all the excuses in the world will not protect a small business taken to court by an injured employee or a grieving partner.

ìIt is imperative that small businesses have the proper health and safety measures in place. The ëcompensation cultureí is now very much a reality of modern working day Britain, with record numbers of injured or ill workers prepared to fight their bosses in the courtroom for what they perceive as negligence. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) argues that good health and safety procedures are good for business and I have to agree - they not only protect employees from harm but also keep staff feeling motivated, unhindere d by their work environment and make the business more attractive to potential candidates.î

In order to help small business owners and managers get to grips with the often, confusing issue of health and safety, Bibby Financial Services has developed the following tips:

Get registered - if you have at least one employee you must register with
the appropriate body. If you have employees in an office or shop, you need to register with your local council. If you have a factory, you must register with the Health and Safety Executive. For more information log on
to: www.hse.gov.uk

Assess the risk - whether you are an employer or work alone, you are legally required to assess the risks in your workplace. Carrying out a risk assessment is the first important step in minimising the cost of health and safety by ensuring that the correct preventative measures are in place

Review and revise - review your risk assessment on an annual basis and always amend your assessment when circumstances change (e.g. when you buy a new piece of equipment). Remember to record the outcome of your risk assessment and any corrective action taken

Put it in writing - if you employ more than 5 people, you must have a written health and safety policy and make sure that it is brought to the attention of all your employees. The policy should include: your general approach to safety, any people you appoint to look after health and safety matters and any specific health and safety procedures and emergency instructions you have in place

Training matters - ensure that you provide appropriate health and safety training for all employees. Include health and safety training as part of an employees induction and always monitor their behaviour to ensure that training is effective and that the procedures are being followed

Look after your staff - as an employer, you have a legal obligation to provide enough clean, working toilets, drinking water, clean working areas, comfortable temperatures, adequate lighting, space, ventilation and an appropriate rest area

In case of an accident - you must have suitable first aid facilities and under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) you are required to report serious injuries, diseases and dangerous incidents. All businesses must have an accident book that records the date and details of each accident, including the name of the injured person and what action was taken.

If in any doubt, ask - your local authority, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or your local Chamber of Commerce or Business Link will be able to point you in the right direction for further information. Independent health and safety consultants can also provide useful advice

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