Ensuring Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations: A Guide for Small Businesses
We understand the importance of being an excellent employer and prioritising the well-being of your team and yourself. This includes compliance with health and safety regulations. However, we know that navigating these regulations can be confusing for small businesses. So, how can you get started and ensure you’re meeting your obligations?
Understanding Your Health and Safety Responsibilities
As someone responsible for health and safety in your business, it’s crucial to be aware of your obligations under the Health and Safety Workplace Act 2015. One of the key steps is to identify and assess the risks specific to your business, followed by developing a plan to eliminate or minimise these risks.
Here’s a four-step process to guide you:
1. Identify and assess the risks in your business.
2. Take measures to eliminate or minimize these risks.
3. Monitor the effectiveness of your control measures.
4. Regularly review and improve your health and safety practices.
Documentation is essential to demonstrate compliance. WorkSafe’s Quick Reference Guide provides valuable information about your responsibilities, and we recommend familiarizing yourself with it.
Health and Safety for Sole Traders and Contractors
Even if you’re a sole trader, contractor, or a business owner with no employees, you still fall under the PCBU category (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking). The responsibilities outlined in the guide mentioned above also apply to you. It’s your duty to ensure your own health and safety, protect others who could be at risk due to your work, and maintain a safe environment for visitors and the general public.
Working from Home? We’ve Got You Covered!
If you or your employees and contractors are working from home, we have specific guidance provided by WorkSafe. This resource focuses on creating a healthy workstation, promoting responsible computer use, and addressing mental health concerns associated with remote work.
Let Us Help Identify Risks in Your Business
Identifying risks in your business is a crucial aspect of meeting your health and safety obligations. Leveraging our industry experience and expertise in business finance, we can assist you in recognizing potential risks that you may not have considered.
If you need assistance in identifying risks or have any questions regarding your accounts, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We value your feedback and would love to hear from you!
Contact us today to ensure a safe and compliant work environment.
Your Outside Team
