There are so many important factors that businesses can end up neglecting when it comes to their safety responsibilities. Although this isn’t an in depth discussion of workplace safety, it is intended to highlight 5 common ways small businesses fall down on workplace safety.

Treating members of the public the same way as your staff – You need to be hyper-vigilant about work place safety if any part of your working environment is open to members of the public, especially if some of them are children. While you can have a certain level of expectation from your own staff members with regard to common sense and personal responsibility, you have can have very little for a six year old child. Likewise, members of the public do not share the benefit of any safety training you have provided or know how to use any equipment that is provided. This can be a particular problem in work areas that are not open to the public normally, make sure that you consult your safety coordinator before you even think about having a “bring your child to work day” for example.

Not providing sufficient signage in case of an emergency – Many businesses that are scrupulous about providing appropriate fire fighting or other safety equipment fall down on their responsibility to accompany it with the mandated signage and lighting. In particular, you need to ensure that fire evacuation routes are clearly marked, and that appropriate emergency lighting is provided and tested.

Failing to make individuals aware of what they are not authorised to do – If a piece of workplace equipment can only be operated by trained personnel, or a particular area is off limits, then make sure that everyone else is aware of that restriction. Make sure that everyone is clear about the circumstances they should use fire fighting or first aid equipment.

Not properly documenting and retaining records of safety training – It is in every employer’s interests to insure that they can demonstrate whether or not they have met their responsibilities in providing a safe working environment. Make sure that any relevant documentation is properly filled in and completed, is stored safely, and can be easily retrieved if required. Ideally you should have copies stored offsite, especially for your fire safety records.

Failing to ensure that workers are following the health and safety guidance – Whilst your employee’s have some degree of responsibility for ensuring that they follow health and safety regulations, you can’t just leave it to them. You have a responsibility to challenge workers if you see them working in an unsafe manner, failing to use safety equipment that is provided, or leaving the workplace in a hazardous condition. You also need to be careful of circumstances in which employees may feel pressured to cut corners on safety in order to meet work targets. These regulations can be unpopular to enforce, especially in those cases when the rules seem unnecessary or time consuming, but failure to do so can result in legal action that could destroy a small company.

Francis Lincoln is a freelance writer specialising in health and safety issues such as using the right office equipment and displaying safety signs and symbols where needed.