Workplace Safety Management - Hiring your First Employees

All businesses, no matter how small, have a duty as an employer to protect the health and safety of their employees. This means whether you are hiring employee number one or one hundred, you as an employer have a duty to proactively assess and manage any health and safety risks that may affect those that work and visit your business.

It is important to note that it is not compulsory by law to have a formal health and safety policy in place until you have five or more employees working for your business. However, it is your responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for your staff to work in no matter how many are on the payroll. 

Safety procedure checklist

In order to help you create a safe working environment, we have put together a few safety measures you can implement in the interest of keeping all of your staff healthy, happy and safe whilst at work.

• You must be covered by employer’s liability insurance - this is required by law and will help cover you and your business if an accident should occur.
• Carry out regular health and safety risk assessments - these assessments must identify potential hazards in the workplace and require you to implement procedures which will help to mitigate these risks.
• Prepare health and safety training for any employees that you will be hiring – this should be a vital part of your introduction to the company and must outline any procedures that have been implemented as a direct result of your risk assessments.
• Ensure that the correct facilities are installed throughout the workplace - this should include: correct safety equipment, drinking water, a reasonable working temperature, toilets and hand basins and accessibility equipment for those with disabilities.
• Make sure you have implemented a first aid procedure – it is wise to enrol on a basic first aid course, this will teach you how to treat minor injuries and show you the best course of action for dealing with major incidents that could endanger an employee’s life.
• Ensure you have a fully stocked first aid box – you must also schedule regular checks of the contents to ensure that all equipment is included and in date.  
• Display the correct Government approved health and safety information – ensuring that it is in an easily accessible place.
• Enforce an official reporting system for reporting accidents that occur in the workplace - this must include details of how the accident occurred as well as the treatment that was provided.

Preparing for future growth

Whilst an official safety policy does not have to be implemented until you have hired at least five employees, it is still advisable to implement a robust safety procedure in the early stages of your business’ development. This will ensure that any safety issues are brought to your attention at an early stage and will ensure you and your staff develop good habits ahead of the company becoming further established.