Four Reasons To Hire A Health & Safety Officer
Health and safety are major parts of any 21st-century business. It doesn’t matter how big or small the operation is – you need to take H&S seriously. Companies that don’t end up either on the wrong end of a crippling fine or a lawsuit. As an employer, you want to avoid both.
Several businesses find that they can with the help of a health and safety officer. Whereas the role was novel a decade ago, it’s now an integral part of maintaining people’s security in the workplace.
However, they offer more to the company. Here are even more reasons you should hire one.
They Take Pressure Off Your Shoulders
As a boss, you’ve got a lot on your plate without worrying about slippery floors and loose wiring. Of course, you have to, or else you could end up paying the price, but it would be easier if another person would create health and safety policies and pass on the information. A dedicated H&S worker does everything from figuring out how to manage spill control in a workplace to highlighting the role of employers in their safety. With more free time, you can concentrate on the most pressing areas and know that security shouldn’t be an issue.
People Listen To Peers
Yes, you could hire a third-party to take care of this specialist subject. After all, as a dedicated outsourcer, an external company will have better knowledge and experience. However, when you promote somebody from within, you get to keep harmony within the workplace. Of course, the health and safety officer must stay in their lane, yet if they do, the odds of the office listening are higher. Who would you take notice of – a stranger or a person who you’ve worked with for months and years?
It’s Affordable Responsibility
Employees are always on the lookout for extra responsibility as they understand that it puts them in the running for promotions and better positions within the business. However, you can’t offer everyone a new role as it would cost the organisation too much money. Thankfully, there are hacks, and creating the job of a health and safety representative is a prime example. Although the position isn’t paid, plenty of workers will jump at the chance to add the job to their CV as it looks good to their current employer and any future employers.
The Job Promotes Growth
With more positions like this at the company, you should highlight the need to learn and grow. People will see their colleagues taking on new roles and being rewarded as a result, and they’ll want the same thing. If you can create a domino effect, the enterprise as a whole will benefit because the atmosphere will be one where people understand that if they work hard, they’ll receive bonuses. Think of a health and safety rep as a gateway to more jobs that empower your staff. Also, don’t forget that it’s your duty to take care of anyone under your employ!
Do you have an H&S officer? Is it time you hired one?
Author: Admin Charlie
Founding member of MoonProject.co.uk
