The Health and Safety Act (1974) gives employers a legal obligation to ensure the necessary steps are taken to protect workers. It’s your responsibility as an employer to ensure a safe working environment is created for your staff.
Whilst there are a number of risk factors in the workplace, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is one that must not be overlooked.
The average worker spends approximately 40 hours per week in work. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone at any time or place. Therefore, workplace defibrillators are essential to ensure the highest possible chance of survival in the event of a cardiac arrest.
There are a number of steps to take to ensure you meet your duty of care whilst adhering to legal safety requirements.
Adequate Training
Employers must provide staff with adequate training to be able to carry out their jobs safely.
The level of training needed varies from role to role, with some requiring more training than others. Job roles that require machine operation or manual handling are classed as a higher risk and require more training than a role with a more sedentary nature.
Safety Equipment
Some job roles put the health and safety of the employee at risk, and measures will need to be taken to ensure that these risks are physically protected against.
Of course, not all workplaces need the same volume of protective equipment, and some do not require any at all. Construction and cleaning work will often involve the use of hazardous chemicals or materials, which means that employers must put measures in place to avoid injury.
Protection Against Harassment and Bullying
It is your duty of care to ensure that you are creating a work environment that is intolerant of bullying and harassment.
The employer is often held somewhat responsible for the actions of employees. That will also be the case if you fail to put preventative measures in place.
Clear channels should be established whereby employees are able to report the behaviour of others, with follow up actions such as investigations into any reports.
Provide a Safe Working Environment
As an employer, it’s your duty to ensure that you and your organisation are doing everything that you reasonably can to create a safe working environment. You must take the necessary steps to reduce the chance of accidents and injuries occurring.
Health-and-Safety Training Done Properly
Being able to assess potential risks, allows you to create a safer working environment. This also puts you at a better position for responding to medical emergencies in the workplace. Have a look at our training courses to see find out how you can create a safe working environment.
defibshop are committed to equipping everyone with the skills and knowledge to save a life. Speak to one of our Product Specialists on 0161 776 7422 or fill out our Contact Form.
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