Workers are as likely to have an accident in their first 6 months at work as during the whole of the rest of their working life.
This increased risk is because of:
This means workers new to a workplace may:
Assess the new starter’s capabilities. This might include:
Don’t forget to assess cultural issues and grasp of English where relevant – you may need to use visual, non-verbal methods like pictures, signs or videos.
Provide an induction. Plan it carefully, including photos of hazards where possible, and use plain, simple language.
Take time to walk around the workplace or site with new workers and show them where the main hazards are, like falls and slips.
Make sure control measures to protect against risk are up to date. Check they are being properly used and maintained by:
Provide relevant information, instruction and training about the risks new workers may be exposed to and the precautions they will need to take to avoid them.
Provide adequate supervision. Make sure workers know how to raise concerns. Supervisors should be aware that workers may find it difficult to raise concerns because of unfamiliarity and inexperience.
Check workers have understood the information, instruction and training they need to work safely, and are acting on it. This is important during the vital first days and weeks at work.
Make sure workers know:
Young people may lack the experience and maturity of their colleagues. You need to consider the risk to young people at work.
Migrant workers are another group that may be particularly at risk when starting work. Advice for employers of migrant
Contact us if you have any questions.
Guest Blogging
If you feel that you could contribute to this blog then please feel free to send me a proposal of your guest blogging ideas and we can discuss these further info@walkersafety.co.uk . Please note any proposals must be of benefit to my readers from individuals with knowledge of their subject matter.
H&S
Health and safety isn’t just the responsibility of managers, consultants, or directors. For it to work effectively, everyone needs a basic level of understanding, supported by clear, accessible health and safety documentation on the premises.
Policies and procedures only protect people if they are understood, available, and followed. Without this, even the best-written systems quickly become ineffective.
The Importance of Basic Health and Safety Awareness
A basic understanding of health and safety enables employees to:
When people understand why rules exist — not just what they are — compliance improves, risks reduce, and safety becomes part of everyday working life rather than an afterthought.
The Role of Health and Safety Documentation
Health and safety documentation provides the framework that supports safe working. This may include:
Having these documents available on the premises ensures employees can refer to them when needed and confirms that the organisation has clearly communicated expectations.
Documentation should never sit unseen in a filing cabinet or digital folder. It must be accessible, relevant, and practical.
Training: Turning Paper Into Practice
Training bridges the gap between written procedures and real-world behaviour.
Effective health and safety training:
Training should be proportionate to the role and risks involved. Inductions, toolbox talks, and refresher sessions are all valuable ways of ensuring employees remain informed and competent.
Without training, documentation becomes meaningless. Without documentation, training lacks consistency.
Maintaining and Reviewing Health and Safety Documents
Health and safety documentation must be kept up to date.
This includes:
Regular review ensures documents remain accurate, legally compliant, and aligned with how work is actually carried out.
Everyone on Board With a Common Goal
Health and safety works best when everyone shares the same objective: keeping people safe.
This means:
When health and safety is seen as a shared responsibility rather than a burden, it becomes part of the company culture. This shared commitment leads to better communication, fewer incidents, and a safer workplace overall.
Legal Duties and Responsibilities
UK legislation makes it clear that employers must provide information, instruction, training, and supervision to protect health and safety.
Key legislation includes:
Employees also have duties to:
Accessible documentation and basic understanding support everyone in meeting these legal obligations.
The Benefits of Getting It Right
Organisations that prioritise health and safety understanding and documentation benefit from:
Ultimately, good health and safety management protects people — and that protection relies on knowledge, communication, and consistency.
Final Thoughts
Health and safety doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be clear, understood, and accessible.
Providing employees with a basic level of health and safety knowledge, supported by well-maintained documentation on the premises, enables them to work safely, confidently, and in line with company policies and procedures.
When everyone understands their role and works towards a common goal, health and safety becomes not just a requirement — but a strength.
To find out more about your roles and responsibilities, click here.
Contact us if you require further information.
Guest Blogging
If you feel that you could contribute to this blog then please feel free to send me a proposal of your guest blogging ideas and we can discuss these further info@walkersafety.co.uk . Please note any proposals must be of benefit to our readers from individuals with knowledge of their subject matter.
Health and safety Audits
At Walker Health and Safety Services Limited, we believe that health and safety audits are a vital tool for organisations. Not only do they enforce safeguarding regulations, but they also enhance overall performance within the company. They help identify hazards, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and reduce the risk of accidents and regulatory penalties.
A health and safety audit is a systematic review of an organisation’s health and safety management system. It identifies gaps in safety procedures and policies that may not be immediately apparent to the existing workforce. The audit evaluates the effectiveness of current measures and highlights opportunities for improvement.
Audits help enhance workplace safety, reduce risk, strengthen management and accountability, and build confidence across the organisation.
Audits support compliance with key UK regulations. This includes the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSW) 1999, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1999, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998, and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 and many more regulations.
Health and safety audits enable companies to stay up to date with the latest regulations and standards while identifying potential hazards before accidents occur. These may include issues with the equipment or machinery, risks of slips, trips and falls, or ergonomic concerns that could lead to employee injuries. When conducted effectively, audits not only reduce workplace risks but also support legal compliance and strengthen organisational confidence.
A good audit will help a company uncover clear findings and practical recommendations, prioritise an action plan, assign responsibility, and later follow up to ensure improvements have been made. They also maximise your resources, ensure compliance and build a positive safety culture. if you require advice with training, contact us. Click here to find out more.
To find out more about health and safety audits, contact us today.
info@walkersafety.co.uk / 0845 834 0400
Click here to be directed to our website page for audits and inspections.
Contact us if you require further information.
Guest Blogging
If you feel that you could contribute to this blog then please feel free to send me a proposal of your guest blogging ideas and we can discuss these further info@walkersafety.co.uk . Please note any proposals must be of benefit to our readers from individuals with knowledge of their subject matter.
As winter sets in and temperatures drop, cold weather brings real risks for workers both indoors and outdoors. From chilled warehouses to construction sites and delivery routes, being cold isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be unsafe. Th
Why Cold Weather Matters for Health & Safety
Cold weather affects both the body and the workplace. When working in low temperatures, people may experience stiff muscles, reduced manual dexterity, slower reaction times, and, in extreme cases, cold-related illnesses like hypothermia or frostbite. Exposure over time also increases the risk of slips and falls on icy surfaces and diminished concentration — all of which can lead to accidents.
Beyond physical hazards, cold temperatures can reduce productivity and raise the likelihood of errors, especially when workers are forced to rush or cut corners just to keep warm.
What the Law Says
Under UK law, employers must protect the health and safety of workers — and this includes managing temperature risks.
There’s no legal temperature threshold for outdoor work, but employers must still assess risks and take sensible precautions when cold weather could affect safety or health.
Assessing the Risk of Cold Weather
A cold weather risk assessment should form part of your wider health and safety planning. This means organising your workplace and work activities to reduce exposure to cold and considering factors such as:
If your assessment shows that cold may pose a risk, you must put controls in place. These might include providing breaks in heated shelters, adjusting work schedules, or changing how tasks are performed.
Practical Measures to Keep People Safe
Here are key steps that can make a big difference:
❄️ 1. Provide Appropriate Clothing and PPE
Warm, layered clothing helps workers maintain body heat. If tools or machinery must be handled in cold environments, consider insulated gloves and footwear to protect against cold stress.
☕ 2. Facilitate Regular Warm-Up Breaks
Offer access to heated rest areas and warm drinks so workers can recover from exposure. Frequent breaks in warmth help prevent hypothermia and maintain performance.
🧑🤝🧑 3. Plan Activities With Weather in Mind
Timing tasks for warmer parts of the day or rearranging workloads can reduce exposure. If conditions are severe, consider delaying non-urgent work.
🧠 4. Educate Workers on Symptoms
Make sure workers know signs of cold stress, such as persistent shivering, fatigue, confusion or numb extremities, so they can seek help early.
Cold Weather Outside the Workplace
Cold affects more than just work conditions. UK Government guidance encourages individuals and organisations to support vulnerable people — such as older adults or those with health conditions — during prolonged cold spells. This includes awareness of Cold-Health Alerts, preparation plans and communication of health risks to those at risk.
This broader advice, while focused on general health, reinforces the importance of preparedness and risk awareness during adverse cold weather.
Final Thoughts
Cold weather safety isn’t about making work cosy — it’s about protecting health, reducing risk, and ensuring safe, productive operations through the winter months. By understanding your legal obligations, assessing cold hazards, and putting sensible controls in place, employers can look after their teams and create safer, more resilient workplaces.
A proactive approach to cold weather is good for people, performance and compliance — and it sends a strong message that health and safety really does matter.
Guest Blogging
If you feel that you could contribute to this blog then please feel free to send me a proposal of your guest blogging ideas and we can discuss these further info@walkersafety.co.uk . Please note any proposals must be of benefit to our readers from individuals with knowledge of their subject matter.
Contact us if you require further information.
If you work in health, safety, or environmental management, BHSEA (Birmingham Health, Safety & Environment Association) is a fantastic resource for learning, networking, and professional development. We have been members for nearly four years, and it’s been invaluable.
About BHSEA
Founded in 1930, BHSEA is a charity that brings together professionals across industries to share knowledge, best practice, and lessons learned. The group is run by volunteers and supported by a part-time administrator, keeping it grounded in real-world experience.
Meetings & Events
Membership Costs
Why Join?
Try It First
Curious to see if it’s right for you? You can attend your first meeting as a guest and experience the value of BHSEA first hand. Once you meet the people and see the benefits, joining usually feels like a no-brainer!
Past newsletters from the meetings – Click here
Contact us if you would like to attend.
