Running a business isn’t easy. You have a whole lot to focus on. Some areas are exciting – product development, marketing, advertising. Others are less so. But sometimes, the less exciting parts of running a business are some of the most essential. Health and safety is one of these. Here are some areas you should definitely focus on!

Make Your Business Covid Compliant

Let’s take a moment to focus on Covid compliance. These are probably the most recent workplace health and safety requirements that you’ll face – and consequently, they’re ones that many of us are still getting used to. Here are just a few steps you should take to ensure your workplace is safe in regards to the virus.

• Let Staff Who Can Work from Home Work Remotely – if your staff can work from home, let them work from home. Many business owners are reluctant to do this, as they worry that their staff may not be as productive. But if you set KPIs, you’ll be able to ensure that everyone still completes the work that they’re supposed to. Working from home reduces the risk of contracting or spreading Covid on the way to and from work, as well as in the workplace.

• Ensure On-Site Staff Are Wearing Masks – next, make sure on-site staff are wearing masks. This, again, will help to reduce the rate of infection between staff.

• Provide Hand Sanitiser – providing hand sanitiser in key points around your business will ensure staff can always keep their hands clean.

• Implement Social Distancing Floor Stickers – social distancing floor stickers should be used in spaces where staff are likely to form queues, such as the staff kitchen, toilets or entrances in and out of the workplace.

Repairs

All commercial premises need repairs carried out every so often. But all too many businesses ignore repairs that aren’t seen as an immediate threat. Small leaks will be ignored. Cracks and breaks in things are ignored. Sometimes, businesses only carry out repairs when the issue reduces productivity and inhibits work, such as a major leak causing a flood or part of a roof falling through. This is irresponsible. Tackling the problem in advance can reduce risks to your employees and can also minimise repair costs down the line. Make sure to call out professionals as soon as an issue raises itself. Whether that’s commercial roof companies, a glazier, a plumber or anyone else.

PAT Testing

You need to check electricals and devices used in your company on a regular basis through PAT testing. This involves calling in a professional to ensure that everything is working as it should. You will receive certification showing your PAT test results!

These, of course, are just a few areas of health and safety to take into consideration. There are countless more. But hopefully, highlighting the areas mentioned above will give you a good starting point to work from. Never underestimate the value of health and safety in the workplace. It could, quite literally, be a lifesaver!