What do managers know about health and safety?
In the last three months, I have had the pleasure to train over 100 people in all aspects of health and safety matters. From fire safety to manual handling, from risk assessments to COSHH. But what do managers know about health and safety? The consistent feedback from their current or former workplace goes something like this:
[quote]’That’s all well and good Michelle, but the managers don’t know a thing about health and safety’.[/quote]
This must be a problem for staff in the workplace. When staff know more about health and safety law than their line managers; it’s bound to cause problems with confidence and moral. Not to mention the whole culture issues with regard to health and safety in the workplace. If the managers don’t know enough about health and safety to lead their teams, then the staff will sense this weekness and are less likely to respect their bossess. The benefits of a good health and safety culture are well documented and include:
- Fewer accidents in the workplace
- High staff morale
- Lower staff turnover and absences
- Reduced sick pay costs
- Better company reputation
- Increased staff loyalty
- Lower insurance premiums
- Increased customer confidence
It is essential that managers and supervisors have had appropriate training. Only then can they operate within the law and supervise staff to make sure that they are working safely. Dates for the next health and safety courses in Stockport town centre.
If you would like to discuss health and safety training or if you would like advice on your policies and procedures, contact me.
