What safety equipment is necessary for every business?
Workplace health and safety has long been a legal requirement since the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. In the UK, the use of health and safety equipment is largely dependent on risk assessments of workplaces themselves, if the workplace employs more than five people, but there are some items that every workplace needs to have to hand.
Fire safety equipment
A fire extinguisher and fire logbook are a necessity for every single business. It’s easy to understand why: no matter the workplace, there is always a risk of fire breaking out, whether you’re in a traditional office, out on the road, or working in a factory.
Given that different extinguishers are suited to different types of fire, it’s important to complete a risk assessment to see whether yours needs a specific type due to your operations. Typically though, both a CO2 and water extinguisher will be enough for most workplaces.
First aid
Whatever the workplace, accidents can happen and people can get hurt. As such, you need to make sure your workplace has first aid kids to hand that can tackle small injuries and keep the more seriously injured safe until an ambulance arrives. First aid can be tricky of course, so pair the inclusion of first aid supplies with training for a first aider member of staff by engaging an external agency like Skills Training Group: First Aid Training.
Health and Safety Law Poster
If even one person is employed at your business, then a poster showing details of health and safety law needs to be clearly displayed somewhere in the workplace such as the entrance hall, kitchen, or break room.
This poster spells out the various health and safety responsibilities of workers and employers, as well as visitor guidelines and statutory responsibilities. This is important, as health and safety is not just up to employers to enforce – staff play their part too.
Emergency equipment
There are several items that all workplaces need to better coordinate emergency activities. This includes high-visibility bibs, whistles, and emergency lighting that allows staff to safely exit their workplace if disaster strikes, without anyone getting hurt. Floor markings and floor signage are also important.
Does your workplace require a specific type of health and safety equipment? What do you think every place of work should have at hand to keep workers safe? Let us know in the comments section.
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