Health & Safety for Small Businesses

London, United Kingdom, November 20, 2008 --(PR.com)-- A new report by the Better Regulation Executive examines how health and safety regulations affect low risk and small businesses; it emphasises the need for better health and safety advice and support. Many small businesses seem to struggle managing health and safety. According to the TUC, “More than half of small businesses have not even done a basic risk assessment, despite this being a legal requirement.” The health and safety regulations are very demanding and all organisations with 5 or more employees are responsible for complying with the current legislation.

Data Sound has a specific health and safety management package for small businesses. This covers audits and inspections, documentation, training as well as display screen assessments. It will also manage the company’s risk assessment programme and be in attendance whenever it is needed, especially in the event of anything requiring investigation such as a serious accident. Also included in the package are various helplines, legal expenses insurance and confidential staff counselling.

The Shipowners Claims Bureau (UK) Ltd is a very small company consisting of 10 people with no in-house expertise in health and safety. It decided to use Data Sound’s Platinum Management Service to improve its understanding of health and safety issues and to assist with the implementation of policies and procedures.

According to Linda Halliday, Administration Manager “It was important to utilise outside expertise as we need someone to tell us what should be done and how to do it. Data Sound has definitely helped us achieve our health and safety objectives. Data Sound provides us with constant advice and gives guidance when it is needed. It highlights legislation changes and any action we must take. Data Sound has made life easy for us. It keeps health and safety simple which is what we want. We like the comfort factor that there is someone there to support us. Our consultant is excellent and always approachable.”

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