Good Health & Safety Management is good for business

Never underestimate the value of good health and safety management.

A Hampshire boat builder, Green Marine Ltd, was fined £26,666 and ordered to pay costs of £6,163 in January 2012 for failing to manage health and safety; specifically for failing to plan, organise and control work involved with the closure of its factory at Spitfire Quay, Southampton.

A worker suffered multiple fractures which left him hospitalised for over 2 weeks, off work for 10 months and will be substantially affected of the rest of his life as a result of his injuries.

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) investigation found that the company management failed to ensure that appropriate, well maintained equipment was available, that workers were adequately trained or that the work was carried out in a safe manner.  As a result the work-site was cluttered creating dangerous working conditions.

Not only have the Company lost a long serving and loyal worker they have suffered all the negative effects of being prosecuted in the courts, lost time in the course of investigations and court appearances, fines and loss of reputation as their name is publicised for all the wrong reasons.

This is a prime example of management lacking in training.  Not just in relation to Health and Safety but in general across the board. Many cases over the years have been rooted in failures of leadership. When board members do not lead effectively the consequences can be severe.  Investing in Management Training programmes is key to the development and progression of your staff.  More importantly if your Managers are competent in what they need to know and how – it can protect your business from financial risk by way of financial claims.

It is a shame that in this current climate this is an area which many businesses are cutting back on.  Training is vital in all businesses, not investing in your most valued asset leaves your business vulnerable and possibly in danger of ‘falling down’.

It is a fact of life that most people work better with clear guidelines and boundaries.  Setting objectives, managing performance and communicating effectively will help people identify their responsibilities within their role and support others and their team in doing the same.

Cutting costs in areas such as health and safety and HR knowledge and training is dangerous, the potential financial risk to a business is high.  The maximum compensation award for unfair dismissal recently increased to £72,300 and breach of health and safety also comes with a possible prison sentence.  It is a no brainer.

Do call us if you would like to find out how Ward Williams HR can support you with your Health and Safety obligations:  01932 830 664, http://www.hrwardwilliams.co.uk/