Every business that has a physical element to it is going to have to pass safety guidelines. These can be a little more complicated , like in a restaurant or construction business, or they can be simple. There’s a lot of ways in which you can make a workplace environment safe and healthy to be at, however, it’s less advertised what that can do for you as an employer, or as the owner. It’s all a system of cause and effect, so here are a few of the main bonuses of putting extra rules and regulations into place.
It’s a Great Benefit for the Wider Community
Being safe in your own practice, no matter what it is, can benefit both yourself and the community around you. More people want to work for you, you have better reviews which is what a small business desperately needs to grow, and you also keep customers coming back to you with your ability to host events .
On this line of thought, for example, roof fall protection allows you to have a whole other floor to your space. Not only does it minimise the risk to workers going up to the top, and thus your levels of absenteeism, it makes the place look a lot safer as well. You can host up there, with the right regulations, and offer a rooftop view of a city or streamside.
This all brings back more and more business to your brand or service, which is ultimately what you wanted in the long run. Servicing your employees, and your customers as a byproduct, services you on the side as well. According to Leslie Duroe – Marketing Manager at Eco Online, “Being health and safety compliant reduces the risk of prosecution, fines, and reputational damage, and so improves the likelihood of positive business performance.”
It Keeps You on Top of Codes
If you know the amount of responsibility you possess in the workplace, then you have a better idea of where you need to improve and what you already do successfully. This helps the allocation of resources to areas it won’t be wasted on, and keeps your inventory trim and topped up for the future.
Preparatory moves are the best defence in times of emergency, so adhering to all the codes you need to, and doing so well, means any inspections or accidents at work go a little more smoothly than they would elsewhere. You save yourself some time as well when something does decide to go awry as you’ve already got some procedures in place, and on the spot thinking isn’t going to make anyone suffer as you no longer need to resort to it. The law really is your best friend.
Your Workforce is a Lot Healthier
This is the main reason we’re required by law to keep safety standard in the workplace high, so trying to bypass or do away with these isn’t going to do you any favours. Your employees do most of the work for you, and without them you’d be nowhere, so return the favour: sickness leave and severance packages should be well thought through.
Your workplace is your oyster; keep it in top condition for better results.
Ingrid Maldine is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Ingrid’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Ingrid has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Ingrid has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
