Retained Health and Safety Support
Why retained health and safety support is a smart investment for your business
Health and Safety (H&S) can sometimes feel like a never-ending list of boxes to tick. But when you step back from the paperwork, it’s really about three things, protecting your team, guarding your reputation, and keeping your business running smoothly.
One of the best ways to get this right without losing sleep is through retained health and safety support. Think of it as having a specialist in your corner whenever you need them, rather than a frantic "break glass in case of emergency" phone call when something goes wrong.
Meeting Your Legal Requirements
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Specifically Regulation 7, basically says that every employer must appoint one or more "competent persons" to help them meet their legal duties.
Unless you’re a H&S expert yourself, meeting this requirement on your own is tough. By having a retained service, you’re officially ticking that legal box. You get a dedicated professional who keeps your policies up to date so you don't have to.
Spotting Trouble Before It Spots You
We’ve all heard the phrase "prevention is better than the cure." In H&S, it’s also much cheaper! A retained expert doesn’t just wait for an accident to happen; they can help identify hazards through regular audits and risk assessments. The level of service and assistance can be as much or as little as you require.
Saving Your Bottom Line
Accidents aren't just heartbreaking, they are expensive. Between insurance hikes, lost productivity, and potential fines, the costs add up fast. Investing in ongoing support is a bit like servicing your car it’s a small, predictable cost that prevents a total (and very pricey) breakdown later.
Accreditations
Many clients require their suppliers and/or contractors to be accredited by schemes like CHAS, Constructionline or other SSIP schemes. Accreditations by these schemes prove to your clients and the public that you take your responsibilities seriously. All these schemes require evidence that you have competent support in place, be that in house or external.
Building a Culture That Cares
Safety isn't just about signs on a wall; it’s a whole culture. When your team sees you investing in regular training and toolbox talks, it shows them you actually care about their well-being. That builds trust, boosts morale which all leads to a more focused and productive workplace.
True Peace of Mind
At the end of the day, the biggest benefit is the "sleep easy" factor. Knowing that if a tricky question pops up or a minor incident occurs, you have a professional ready to guide you through it is invaluable. You aren’t alone in it, you’ve got an expert partner.