Health and Safety Back to Basics: essentials for small employers

Health and safety isn’t a luxury – it’s a legal requirement. Even the smallest businesses must comply with key regulations, assess risks, and take reasonable steps to prevent harm.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Yet without dedicated health and safety teams, many small business owners manage safety instinctively, often unaware of their full legal responsibilities. Important measures like up-to-date risk assessments, clear procedures, and staff training are sometimes overlooked – leaving businesses vulnerable to accidents, enforcement action, and hefty penalties.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

In fact, even small businesses can face six-figure fines if prosecuted – and that’s before factoring in the cost of legal fees, higher insurance premiums, and reputational damage. Taking a proactive approach is therefore essential to protecting your bottom line.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Hosted by Principal Health & Safety Consultant Rob Young, this 60-minute session will go back to basics – focusing on the essentials you need to know to manage risks effectively, meet your legal duties, and gain peace of mind that your small business is on the right path.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

What's on the agenda?

​

​

​

• Why health and safety matters: Explore the moral, legal and financial reasons for taking health and safety seriously. What are the benefits of making it a priority – and the costs of poor health and safety management?
• Core legal duties: Get to grips with your key responsibilities as an employer, including the requirement to appoint a ‘competent person’, produce a health and safety policy, and train and consult your team.
• Managing risks: From slips and trips to work-related stress, get acquainted with common hazards, discover the five-step approach to carrying out a risk assessment, and learn how to select suitable control measures.
• Tips for success: Discover why keeping records matters – even when not legally required. Plus, discover the factors that shape your health and safety culture and how to ‘lead from the top’.
• The consequences of non-compliance: Understand the different regulators (HSE, EHOs, Fire Authority), their powers, and the enforcement action they can take. Plus, what penalties can courts impose for health and safety offences?
• Q&A and resources: Access free tools and templates from WorkNest, learn where to find help and further training, and get your questions answered in an open Q&A session.

​

​

​

​