Health And Safety ToolsWhen launching any new business, it is essential to have a clear and thorough health and safety policy in place. This policy should be tailored to your company and consider the kind of equipment, materials, and hazards that could be present.

There are some health and safety tools that can benefit any business. There are also tools that are legally required to be present on any commercial premises, including things like fire extinguishers and alarms. Your health and safety tools should be well maintained and replaced if they become damaged or expire.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a legal requirement in places of work in the UK. Depending on the size of your premises, you may need more than one first aid kit. You can buy first aid kits equipped with all the necessary items to treat minor injuries at work. It is also essential to know when injuries pass the threshold for needing professional intervention.

For instance, if someone has heavy bleeding that persists despite the first aider on-site using the first aid kit, that person should attend the hospital. It may even be necessary to call an ambulance, depending on the severity.

Fire Alarm

Another critical and legal requirement for office space is a working fire alarm. Fire alarms are crucial and lifesaving devices that can alert those working in your office of hazards like fires, smoke, and carbon monoxide. These should be tested monthly and are easy to install and maintain.

Fire alarms can also be invaluable for protecting your business’s assets. They will alert you and your employees to the presence of a fire before it gets out of hand, giving you ample opportunity to evacuate and put out the fire before it spreads.

Health And Safety Law Posters

Health and Safety Law posters are required by law to be displayed in working environments. These posters detail the rules on safety in the workplace and the responsibilities of workers, visitors, and employers when dealing with health and safety at work. These should be displayed prominently in your office space. For instance, you could affix a poster near the entrance to your office and one in the communal breakroom.

Cable Covers

Cables are a major trip hazard in many office environments. Cables are a normal part of office life, but they must be appropriately managed and organized to prevent workplace accidents. Ideally, there should be no cables running across areas where employees will be walking.

If this is not achievable, any cables that run across walkways should be covered appropriately. The best way to do this is to use a cable cover. Look for quality cable covers that will keep cables securely covered and protected, like the excellent options from The Workplace Depot.

Health And Safety Officer

Every workplace needs a competent health and safety officer to oversee health and safety management. This person does not necessarily require formal training to take on this role, though you might consider providing training to ensure they can carry out the functions competently. If you cannot find someone in your office that can carry out the role, or do it yourself, you could consider hiring a consultant to outsource the work.

Cleaning Supplies

Keeping your workplace clean and tidy is crucial to ensuring the safety of your team. You should ensure you have cleaning supplies on hand to deal with any issues that may present a hazard to your team. For instance, it is a good idea to have a mop to clear up spilled water and prevent it from becoming a slip hazard.

Many businesses hire outside cleaners to manage the cleanliness and hygiene in their offices, but it is still worth having some tools and supplies in-house for issues that arise outside the times that cleaners are present.

Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is vital to help put out fires if they occur. There are five essential types of fire extinguishers, and the type or types you choose will depend on your business and the risks posed by the materials you handle regularly. Water fire extinguishers are the most common in office settings and can handle fires created by organic materials. You should know which type of fire extinguisher will be needed for different fires and causes of fires.

Mental Health Resources

In addition to protecting the physical health of your employees, it is a good idea to find ways to help them manage their mental health. Work is a significant cause of stress among adults, and over time high levels of stress can lead to burnout in employees. If you want to retain the talented members of your team, it is crucial that you help them maintain and protect their mental health.

You should offer guidance on avoiding overworking and lead by example. Let your employees know that you don’t expect them to work beyond their regular working hours. If you offer overtime, encourage employees to do so sparingly. You should also signpost them to mental health charities and organizations that can help if they feel they are struggling.