Accident at Work: Employer's Responsibility

Accidents are a regular occurrence through out the UK and are something that many people have taken steps to address. However there are still many accidents happening in the country, and there are basic steps that you as an employer can take to limit and reduce the quantity of accidents that might occur.

It needs to be made clear that not only do you as an employer have the responsibly to provide your staff with the correct materials and equipment that will allow them to carry out their job safely, but that also the employee has a responsibility to follow those guidelines and maintain a high standard of health and safety awareness for themselves and those around them.

So what are some of the things that need to be addressed as an employer?

1. Make the work place safe - remove anything that might cause injury to those who use the workplace as well as eliminate any positional hazards. 

2. Prevent exposure to substances that may damage your health - this might include such things as dangerous chemicals like acid as well as long term problematic materials like Asbestos. 

3. Ensure that the correct equipment is used and properly maintained - this will allow your employees to use equipment that is up to standard and safe to use. 

4. Ensure that machinery is safe to use and that safe working practices are enforced and followed - this will reduce the risk of accidents and provide people with the knowledge they need to complete their job in a safe manor. 

5. Provide your employees with the protective clothing or equipment that is required to do the job, free of charge - this may be include such things as ladders that are suitable, overalls and even protective eye wear.
6. Take steps to avoid potentially dangerous work involving manual handling - reduce the risk of injury by accessing the best practices to take in order to ensure that the safety of the employee or those around them are not compromised. 

7. Provide health and safety supervision as and when it s required - this is important if the employee is still earning the job as it will limit and possible injuries by having someone who is competent supervising any work being done. 

8. Precautions need to be put into place to avoid the employees coming into contact with flammable materials, explosive hazards, electrical equipment and any excessive noise - if the job evolves coming in to contact with these things it is necessary to take such steps in order to protect the employee and reduce chances of possible injury by providing the correct equipment.

9. Ensure that all materials are handled and stored safely - taking care of any materials that are used whilst working will help reduce possible accidents. 

10. Ensure that health and safety requirements are met in all aspects of the employee's day - this will also include that the working environment meets requirements including temperature, lighting, and toilets.

These rules apply to employers no matter of size of business or the amount of employees that you currently employ as no body wants accident compensation claims hanging over them.