Avoid the risk
October 1st 2004

Thousands of UK small organisations could be forced to close their doors because they are neglecting vital requirements, warns environmental health and safety advice specialist, EHS Projects.

David Holmes, client manager, says “Across the UK there is a huge increase in organisations using standards such as ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 as they recognise the business benefits of corporate and social responsibility.

However, he warns While this is true of larger companies, smaller ones feel that they do not have time, money or staff resources to implement and maintain adequate operational standards or, worse, still feel that they just don’t need to.

EHS works with a range of employers offering advice and helping implement tailor-made systems. It also shows the company how such systems can save money and provide a safer environment for employees.

Kirkgate Engineering, for example, has been working with EHS Projects to formally establish the required health and safety infrastructure, procedures and knowledge base to mitigate the attendant risks involved in its manufacturing processes.

Key requirements have been implemented including: a formal H&S policy, issued and enforced; risk assessors trained and risk assessments in hand; safety committee to focus on key priorities; noise survey and awareness training; PPE disciplines improved; and additional first aiders appointed and trained.