Mitigating health and safety risks in the workplace

Large numbers of employers and their human resources representatives continue to be concerned about the number of employees making claims against them on grounds of health and safety. Most credible businesses firmly uphold their duty of care to their staff in this area, ensuring that they undertake comprehensive and regular risk assessments to offset potential threats of accidents and illnesses. They take every possible precautionary measure in order to adhere to health and safety employment law, which sometimes includes the reinventing of their own wheels in order facilitate specific staff members and circumstances.

Yet a so called claims culture continues to burgeon. Many employers feel that their people are all too often tempted to try to make a fast buck out accidents and injuries, regardless of how legitimate claims might be perceived to be. Regardless of personal feelings on the matter, health and safety in the workplace is as aspect of running a business that cannot be taken lightly. In the cases of smaller businesses in particular, staff claims that are upheld in an employment tribunal can cost dearly, sometimes threatening continued survival.

Like many elements of employment law, health and safety legislation is often complex and multi faceted. As such, even the most conscientious of employers can benefit by using external health and safety experts. External consultants can offer them great peace of mind, not only by pulling employers up about what they are doing wrong, but also reassuring them about what they are getting very right.

At NorthgateArinso, we share our vast health and safety experience and expertise with a broad variety of different businesses. We assist with risk assessments and draw up workable plans of action to address areas of potential weakness. We also work alongside businesses that are facing employment tribunal action due to claims from aggrieved staff members.

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