usiness linkOf course, even under the best systemsaccidents can still happen but you should beable to <strong>show</strong> that you have assessed yourbusiness carefully and taken reasonable stepsto ensure that your staff and your customersare not exposed to unnecessary risks.TrainingYou have a duty to ensure that your employeesunderstand and carry out their responsibilitiesregarding the safety rules that you have setup, training them where necessary. You mustdisplay the health and safety law poster orprovide your staff with the same information ina leaflet available from the HSE.When new systems are introduced, or whennew staff join your organisation, it is importantthat suitable training is conducted to ensurethat everyone is up-to-speed with the newrequirements. It is also important that trainingrecords are accurately maintained so that youhave clear evidence that the training has takenplace. In some cases this includes keepingrecords of any tests or assessments that staffhave undertaken.Finally, don’t forget to review your riskassessment regularly, especially if you make anychanges in your workplace, so that it remainsup-to-date and effective. New regulationscome into force from time to time, so youneed to take these into account as well.Recording and reporting accidentsYou are legally responsible for recording andreporting accidents in your business. If anyonedoes have an accident you should record theincident in an accident book (available fromHSE), giving details of what happened, the timeand place and the action taken. You shouldhave a first aid box on your premises, so makesure that this is well-stocked.Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseasesand Dangerous Occurrences Regulations(RIDDOR) you also have to report workrelatedaccidents which result in an employeebeing off work for more than three days, aswell as diseases and near miss incidents, tothe HSE incident contact centre. Althoughit is unlikely that you will have to do this it isimportant to know how to make a report: fulldetails are on the HSE website.InsuranceHaving the right insurance is essential to makesure that you are covered in the event of aclaim against you. When buying insurancetreat it as you would your own home or carinsurance: always use an authorised insurancecompany and check around for the best coverand price. You should have:• Employers Liability Compulsory Insurance:this insurance is essential if you have anyemployees as it provides cover if a memberof staff makes a claim against you because ofan accident or if they think that theirwork has caused them ill health. It is onlyfor employees and the minimum cover is £5million. In certain circumstances you may beexempt: for example if you are a sole traderor only have close family members workingfor you. You can find out if you need thisinsurance by checking the HSE website.• Public Indemnity Insurance: this coversyou if a member of the public makes a claimagainst you as a result of an accident onyour premises.• Buildings Insurance.• Motor insurance – if your business involvesthe use of a vehicle.More informationPutting health and safety into action in yourbusiness is important, not just because youhave a legal obligation, but also because it isvital to look after yourself when your livelihooddepends on your ability to continue working.It is equally important to protect the safety ofyour employees and your customers to avoidany claims against you.Use this simple checklist to make sure thatyou’ve covered everything:• If your business is very new or you have just“Don’t forget to review yourrisk assessment regularly,especially if you make anychanges in your workplace, sothat it remains up-to-date andeffective. New regulations comeinto force from time to time,so you need to take these intoaccount as well.”started up check whether you need toregister with the local authority or HSE• Take out Employer’s Liability CompulsoryInsurance• Appoint a competent person• Write your health and safety policy• Assess the risks• Provide basic welfare facilities• Provide free health and safety training andsupervision• Consult your workers• Display the health and safety law poster• Understand the RIDDOR reportingprocedures• Keep up-to-dateBy using the free advice available from theHSE and Business Link, as well as your own andyour employees’ knowledge of your business,you can easily write a health and safety policyand take the steps needed to make sure yourbusiness is a safe place to work and visit. gFurther informationTo get the latest on health and safety <strong>issue</strong>sand sign up for free and up-to-date emailbulletins visit www.hse.gov.uk or phonethe HSE infoline +44 (0)845 345 0055. Forfurther information and advice on healthand safety in small businesses visitwww.businesslink.gov.uk or phone+44 (0)845 600 9006.128 giftfocus
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