When you run a small business, you are likely to start out entirely independently. You will take the bulk of responsibility on your own shoulders and complete the majority of tasks required to keep your business up and running yourself. However, as your business begins to grow and expand, experiencing more demand, you’re going to have to start accepting a helping hand here and there. This is the best time to start taking on staff. But it’s also important to bear in mind that when you take on employees, you also take on responsibility over their general well being.
As long as they are working for you and are operating within your commercial property, you’re going to have to do your utmost to ensure that they are safe and well. This will prove beneficial for you, as healthy and happy staff are more likely to remain working for you. They are likely to take less time off sick or to leave and walk into the arms of another employer. This can keep your business ticking over and reduce costs incurred through regular recruitment. There are various things that you can do in order to prevent potential problems arising down the line! Here are just a few to consider!
Health and Safety
Every small business has to comply to health and safety standards and regulations. There are all sorts of things to bear in mind here. Some aspects of health and safety pertain to your commercial property. It should have safety signage to highlight potential hazards, such as “mind your head signs” and “mind the step signs”. Personal protective equipment should be provided to employees who have to carry out tasks that require personal protective equipment. These small steps can help to ensure that your employees do not experience personal injury in the workplace, for which they could file a legal case against you and claim compensation from you. You can learn more about this through StinsonLawyers.com/practice-areas/personal-injury/.
Training
As well as providing staff with the correct equipment and visual signs to keep them healthy and happy, you also need to provide them with specialist role-specific training. If your staff work with food, they should be taught about food safety and hygiene. If they use cleaning equipment, they should be trained in regards to how they should use and store cleaning products. If your employees are required to lift and move heavy objects, they should be trained in lifting and moving heavy objects. Ensuring everyone is well trained in their role can reduce the chances of them hurting themselves on the job and filing a work related injury or illness case against you.
These are just a few different ways that you can ensure that your employees are safe and well at all times while working for you! Incorporate them into your business plan today!
