Outsourcing Health and Safety Services

BusinessManagement

  • Author Rachel Underwood
  • Published November 26, 2010
  • Word count 470

There are many business benefits to implementing good health and safety practices. The law states that you must protect your staff from death, accidents and ill health in the work place. But, in fact it actually makes good business sense. Proper health and safety measures put into place can reduce absences, retain staff, maintain your company's reputation, boost productivity and reduce your insurance premiums and legal costs. In view of this, it is recommended that business employ the health and safety services of a professional company to ensure all health and safety issues are being managed properly and in accordance with the regulations.

Companies often find that outsourcing health and safety services is beneficial because it is too complicated to carry out in house. Health and safety legislation can be complex and confusing and it is often difficult to find the detailed information that you need. There is also the added difficulty of keeping up to date with all the legislation changes. As a business owner, you need to be confident that your health and safety policies are compliant with the current regulations. When you employ a consultant you can be secure in the knowledge that fully qualified professionals with a wealth of expertise are managing your health and safety. You will also find that updating you on legislation changes and will notifying you of amendments which might affect your organisation is part of the health and safety services package they will provide.

Responsibility for health and safety is often delegated to certain staff members or departments like human resources. Sometimes, larger companies will find it necessary to employ a full time member of staff. Either way, this costs your business time, resources and money. A further problem is then created when the member of staff responsible for health and safety is absent due to illness or holidays. This responsibility will also have to be 'handed over' if or when the member of staff leaves the company. A health and safety services company will allow your staff to focus on their main job role and health and safety will not be compromised due to insufficient understanding, limited staff resources, illness or resignation.

If the health and safety of your business isn't appropriately managed you are at risk of being prosecuted for infringement of health and safety law, other directors, managers and supervisors can also be prosecuted. The financial implication of this and the disruption caused to your business could be substantial. You also risk shouldering the burden of costs incurred following expensive claims for an injury or accident. This could have serious consequences - including the total ruin of your business. It is better not to take any chances and consult a company offering health and safety services to ensure the safety and protection of the business and its employees.

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Article comments

david benjamin
david benjamin · 13 years ago
this article is a good one safety measures should be embraced by all firms (industries)

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