Top 5 myths about the management of health & safety at work

July 17, 2023

Running a business? You’ll know that health and safety is crucial to the success of your operations. However, there are several myths about health and safety floating around that can trip up even the most experienced business owners.

This month, we’re setting the record straight by debunking the most commonly heard misconceptions regarding the role of health and safety in the workplace. 

Let’s dive in…

“Management of Health and Safety at work is expensive”

Sure. It costs money to comply with health and safety legislation – there’s no glossing over that fact. However, when you consider the catastrophic costs of ignoring health and safety, it becomes very clear that this is an investment, not an expense. 

Failing to invest in safety can lead to serious setbacks such as legal troubles, loss of productivity, hefty fines, and a tarnished reputation. To put it in perspective, in 2019/20, the total cost of work-related injuries in the UK was a shocking £7.6 billion.

Suddenly, the upfront cost of getting health and safety right doesn’t seem so bad, does it? Instead, it becomes a smart move to protect your employees, your reputation, and, ultimately, your bottom line.

“Management of Health & Safety at work is a waste of time”

Next on our list is the notion that safety measures are a waste of time. Running a business is a juggling act. We get it. And with a never-ending to-do list, delving into the details of safety legislation and paperwork might feel like the last thing you need. 

But here’s the thing: health and safety isn’t a time-waster; it’s a time-saver.

By implementing a streamlined safety process, you’re not only protecting your business and employees, but you’re also safeguarding your time in the future.

Insufficient safety measures can result in accidents, decreased productivity, and potential legal action, all of which can significantly consume your valuable time. It’s, therefore, wise to remember that a proactive approach to health and safety can save you time, energy, and even money in the long run.

“Small businesses don’t need to worry about Health & Safety”

This is a dangerous assumption to make. No matter the size of your business, workplace health and safety measures are non-negotiable. Smaller companies may face different risks compared to larger corporations, but everyone deserves a safe and healthy work environment.

That said, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) understand that running a two-person IT operation is drastically different to owning a large-scale construction business with hundreds of employees. That’s why the rules and regulations differ in regard to what you’re expected to do. 

If you’re not familiar with the specific requirements your business is expected to uphold – please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team here at pm Connections, who are happy to provide you with bespoke advice and guidance. 

Don’t overlook health and safety – it’s crucial to your team’s well-being and the longevity of your business.

“Health & Safety is rigid and inflexible”

Another myth that we hear thrown around a lot is that safety regulations are too restrictive and rigid. However, the truth is that effective H&S management is far from inflexible. Instead, it takes into consideration the unique needs of your business and adapts strategies to meet these needs. 

Here at pm Connections, we consider the specifics of each environment, the tasks carried out within your workplace and the people who work there. It’s crucial to remember that health and safety isn’t simply a box-ticking exercise – it’s about creating a genuinely safe and healthy environment for your team to flourish in. 

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to safety, which is why investing in experts who understand the complexities of the relevant legislation is essential.

“Health & Safety at work is boring”

Finally – we’re under no delusion that health and safety can be a dry subject matter. So perhaps this one isn’t a myth – simply a common perception. There’s no doubt that getting your head around the following complex pieces of legislation can be a headache:

• The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974)
• The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations (1999)
• The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (1992) 

At pm Connections, we’re passionate about keeping people safe and improving the operational efficiencies of businesses; however, we know that not everyone shares our enthusiasm for the subject. That’s why we provide streamlined, simple solutions to ensure your business is compliant where it needs to be – leaving you to focus on what you do best.

For more information about the services we offer – please give us a call on 01925 649 818 or contact us here.