Who Is Responsible for Health and Safety in the Workplace?
As the business landscape has changed following the COVID pandemic, workplace health and safety is a topic that’s become more relevant. Whether you work in an office, a construction site or even from home, understanding who is responsible for health and safety in your working environment is crucial.
Here at Healthier Workforce, we understand that this can be a complex area to navigate your way through, which is why we have put together this article to provide an overview so both employers and their teams know the parts they each play when it comes to health and safety at work. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is The Employer’s Role?
Employers have the lion’s share of responsibility when it comes to health and safety at work. As discussed in previous articles, they have a duty of care to their employees and are legally required to provide a safe working environment. This includes regular risk assessments, relevant training and making sure all equipment is in good working order. Employers must also stay compliant with the latest health and safety regulations to ensure they are protecting their employees.
What Is The Employee’s Role?
It’s not just the employers who need to stay on their toes; employees play a significant part in maintaining health and safety in the workplace too. Each employee is expected to take sufficient care of their own health and safety, as well as that of their colleagues who they work alongside. This includes:
- following safety protocols
- reporting any hazards they encounter
- using equipment safely and correctly
Who Is Responsible For Health and Safety in The Workplace?
Simply put, the answer is everyone is responsible for workplace health and safety; both employers and their teams have a role to play. Employers must lead by example, providing the necessary tools, training and safe working environments. Employees must take personal responsibility and adhere to the instructions from their employers to contribute to a safe working environment.
Together, a culture of safety and support will be promoted — health and safety isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it is a collaborative effort and shared commitment between employers and their staff. According to the British Safety Council, fostering a culture such as this, where health and safety is a shared responsibility, can significantly reduce accidents and injury.
For a more detailed dive into responsibilities, the Health and Safety Executive website provides a thorough rundown of what is expected.
What Are The Legal Aspects Involved With Workplace Health and Safety?
When it comes to the fundamentals of legal responsibility, both employers and employees have specific duties laid out in law. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a legal duty on employers to protect the health, safety and welfare of all employees, from training to eliminating or minimising any hazards so far as is reasonably practicable. At the same time, employees are legally required to take care of their own health and safety and to cooperate with their employers to ensure the relevant health and safety policies are adhered to.
How Can An Occupational Health Expert Help With Workplace Health and Safety?
The inclusion of an occupational health expert is a game-changer for workplace health and safety as they are experienced in creating a more supportive, safer work environment tailored to your company’s individual needs.
Occupational health experts provide on-site health checks and screenings which catch health issues early, allowing for timely recommendations to keep employees healthy, motivated and productive. They also offer personalised health advice, helping employees make better lifestyle choices that benefit both their personal and professional lives.
They don’t just stop at spotting issues — they’re also all about prevention. Ongoing training and education for employees are essential so they are aware of all potential hazards and how to deal with them. This training should be refreshed regularly to keep up with any changes in legislation or working practices.
For tangible, effective health and safety solutions for businesses throughout the UK, Healthier Workforce is here to help. With a wealth of industry experience and a wide client base up and down the country, we ensure employers fulfil their legal duty of care and reap the benefits of a happy, healthy workforce. We tailor our services to suit the individual needs of your business, providing you with as much or as little input as you require.
To find out more, pick up the phone and give us a call today. Alternatively, you can submit an online management referral which we will review and respond to.