Health & safety training- Is it worth it?
Within any industry health & safety is critical, however within the construction industry it is of the utmost importance, the health & safety at work act (1974) lays the foundation for operating safely in the workplace. Construction sites can be dangerous places which can seriously harm your staff, alongside your company’s profitability if not properly managed. Training to work on sites has never been more important with increasing complexity of equipment and the dangers which lie in improper usage.
What training is there?
IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety of Health) training courses can provide effective training for managers in all sectors as it provides the knowledge and tools necessary to manage safety, if managers have the ability to be clear in vocalizing health and safety issues then they can be prevented more efficiently.
Regarding training for construction sites, NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety & Health) training can help people in management roles effectively manage and minimise potential hazards leading that will positively impact the business. Non-managerial staff can also partake in SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) in order to educate themselves on proper health & safety training.
Within the construction industry, employers must ensure that staff are safe and secure. Improper training or failure to meet regulations can impact negatively on a business. Juggling social responsibility and profitability can seem like a daunting task, however it can be streamlined through effective training.
What can it do for your company?
Ensuring health and safety and, protecting your workers is a legal requirement. This protection has the effect of increasing job satisfaction with personal well-being being protected. This also helps improve staff retention which reduces the long-term costs of training and recruitment.
The implications to a company’s reputation is affected by their operating processes and protocols. It is essential as an employer to ensure employee safety. The impact of injured employees can have serious implications for a company’s image. Profitability can be affected by a tarnished public image caused through accidents and incidents. Poor health and safety practices can undermine customer confidence. Negate such incidents can increase job satisfaction as employees feel more trust in the business and can contribute to a positive public appearance.
The financial cost
Significant financial penalties are in place for businesses which do not safeguard staff with proper training. High profile incidents that come as a result of improper training will inevitably lead to legal battles and serious reputational damage. Avoiding these types of issue should be a key goal of the organisation’s health and safety programme and a proper training plan should be evaluated, planned and implemented by a professional trainer.
With a demonstrable safety record, a business can benefit from lower insurance premiums and reduced legal costs. This indirect financial benefit comes from ensuring up to date Health & Safety training. A well-trained workforce creates a more productive environment and results in long term benefits for the business through higher profit levels.
Effective health and safety management and training can increase profitability in the long run and further benefit your business for the future, so looking after your staff has never been more profitable!
Finally, training of key management staff on a modern construction site through the NEBOSH & IOSH training schemes can have serious positive effects for the operation of your construction sites. SMSTS for all workers on site can lead to a safer working environment, regular & comprehensive training can sync your staff together, leading to a reduction of accidents on site. The long-term benefits of this training can be an increase to reputation & the company’s brand image, loyalty & staff retention which can help keep consistency within a workforce, and importantly benefiting the overall profitability of the business.
