Overview
Section 20 of the Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act of 2005 stipulates that organizations must develop a written programme to ensure the protection of their employees’ safety and health during work. Additionally, this programme must also extend its focus to safeguard the safety and health of other individuals present at the workplace, such as customers, visitors, and members of the public. The Safety Statement serves as a tangible commitment to prioritize the well-being of all stakeholders involved. Within this statement, the employer outlines the specific measures they will implement to ensure safety and health, as well as the allocation of necessary resources for the continuous maintenance and evaluation of safety and health laws and standards.
The Safety Statement holds a pervasive impact on all work activities
Encompassing various aspects such as the selection of capable personnel, appropriate equipment, and suitable materials. It extends its influence over the methodologies employed in conducting work and even extends to the design and provision of goods and services. This critical document must be readily accessible to staff and all relevant parties, serving as evidence that hazards have been thoroughly identified and risks diligently assessed, with effective measures put in place to either eliminate or control them, in alignment with the guidelines laid out by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
It is essential to conduct an annual review of the safety statement, and any time there is a change in work practices. If you find yourself in need of a safety statement or if your existing safety statement requires updating, GetReady is here to help. Our team will thoroughly assess your buildings and work practices, regardless of the complexity of your business. We will then prepare a professionally crafted document that is not only comprehensive but also presented in a clear and easily understandable manner for all parties involved.
Risk Assesment
Under Section 19 of the Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers and individuals with control over workplaces are obligated to identify potential hazards within their premises and assess the corresponding risks to the safety and well-being of their workforce. Employers are required to meticulously examine and document these workplace risks along with appropriate measures to address them effectively. The essence of risk assessment lies in a thorough examination of anything within the workplace that may pose harm to employees, other workers, customers, visitors, or members of the public. By conducting such assessments, it becomes possible to gauge the level of risk and determine whether it is acceptable or necessitates additional precautions to prevent potential harm.
Prioritizing Safety: The Significance of Risk Assessment and the Safety Statement
Employers have a critical responsibility to implement any necessary improvements identified through the risk assessment process. This crucial endeavor aims to create a workplace environment where the health and safety of all employees and individuals are protected, ensuring that accidents and illnesses are minimized or eliminated.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to maintain a balanced perspective when identifying hazards and assessing risks. Employers should primarily focus on those risks that arise directly from work activities, rather than becoming overly concerned about every minor hazard that is an inherent part of daily life. By focusing on work-related hazards, employers can allocate their resources more effectively, concentrating on the most significant risks to employee well-being.
The results and findings from these risk assessments should be meticulously documented in the Safety Statement. This consolidated document acts as a tangible commitment from employers, clearly outlining the measures taken to mitigate potential risks and demonstrating compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). By having all risk assessment outcomes documented in the Safety Statement, employers ensure that the safety of their workforce remains a top priority and that necessary measures are consistently enforced to maintain a safe and healthy working environment.
Booking Information
Information
To book a Health & Safety Consultancy, please fill out our enquiry form or call us on 01 255 1503, or email us at info@grtraining.ie and we will get in touch with you.