Many managers think that, by providing staff with some training in occupational health & safety, they are suitably prepared to manage an incident. Realistically though, basic instruction in safety regulations and risk asessment just isn’t adequate. Equipping staff, providing a skilled supervisior and encouraging frequent practise are all key factors.

Every team must have a great supervisor to oversee the work area, yet this individual must also play another function. A supervisor needs to show enthusiasm, they should also believe that training is crucial.

On top of insuring conformity with health & safety legislation, a supervisory role also includes supervising employee efficiency. This is a difficult task. A capable supervisor needs to possess a thorough understanding of both the industry best practice and manufacturing procedures as well as an advanced knowledge of current legislation with regard to safety, risk appraisal and CPR.

Just having basic training in health & safety is not enough for your staff. They need to practise risk assessment and the identification of hazardous areas. Staff must know the best method of eradicating problems as well as how to cope when the worst happens. Only when these procedures have become routine are staff properly prepared.

Proper safety equipment is every bit as important to the safety of your workers as any training. If they don’t possess the proper supplies or should workers find that supplies are broken when they are required, then all the training there is to offer can not help them. It is important to check all your gear frequently to make sure that you are in posession of all of the required gear and that it is all working correctly. When piece of equipment does not meet the applicable legislation, be sure to get it rectified as speedily as possible and return it to the right place. Health & safety training is essential to the well being of your employees, but in addition they also must have good quality supplies, regular practise drills, and a supervisor who can motivate your staff. If you implement these steps you will find health & safety legislation will soon become established in your business culture instead of something that staff have to make an effort to remember all the time.