Key Health and Safety Factors When Launching A Business
When first starting a business, it is very easy to get caught up in the main areas in establishing the company and neglecting crucial aspects, including employee and visitor safety. Safety is of the utmost importance, no matter what industry that you are in because failure to address this could result in accidents, which can be damaging to individuals and employees. Every business owner is responsible for providing a safe working environment and protecting people on site, so you need to consider the main ways in which you can do this when starting up a new business. There are the main areas that you will need to address, as outlined below.
First Aid
No matter what industry that you are in, you will need to consider first aid in case there is an accident onsite. It will involve having staff members that are trained in first aid, training every staff member how to be safe at work, along with having a first aid kit which is always fully stocked. This first aid kit should include:
- Bandages
- Plasters
- Sterile eye pads
- Wound Dressings
- Disposable gloves
- Painkillers
Emergency Exits
Emergency exits are essential for every business to have. This is so that people can find a fast and safe way to exit the building in case there is any kind of emergency, such as a fire. These exits must be signposted with directions all around the building, including stairways. One of the best ways to clearly signpost exits is by using Jessup Manufacturing photoluminescent films. This innovative film is always visible and will glow in the dark so that people can see the way out even if the power is out. It could make a considerable difference in helping people to identify the closest emergency exit when time can be the difference between life and death.
Fire Safety
Fire safety is a major concern in every industry, but there are specific industries where it is more of a concern than others. Therefore, having a combination of fire safety practices and equipment will help you to combat this, and it is crucial for every business to consider.
- Identifying Risks: First, you should carry out a risk assessment to determine what could cause a fire in your workplace. It is then a matter of taking steps to eliminate or reduce this risk and by having fire safety equipment nearby.
- Fire Safety Practices: There needs to be a protocol in place so that everyone knows what to do and where to go when the fire alarm goes off. You will need to test this on multiple occasions throughout the year.
- Fire Safety Equipment: Every workplace will need to have strategically placed fire safety equipment in the workplace which will include smoke alarms, sprinklers, and different fire extinguishers. Staff members should also be trained on how to use these extinguishers in case of fire.
Safety is an area which every business owner must consider, but it is sometimes forgotten about when launching a new company. The above points are the main areas that you will need to carefully consider in order to comply with regulations and provide a safe working environment for your employees and any members of the public who might be onsite.
Author: Carol Trehearn