Good employee health and safety is about more than induction

Health and safety might get a bad rap in some quarters, but that's usually born out of ignorance. Myths are peddled as facts when they are nothing of the sort. Employee health and safety matters. Every worker has the right to come in and carry out their job in a safe environment, one where they are protected from unnecessary risks and hazards.

Education and guidance are key. On starting a new job every employee should be given a good basic grounding in safety and make sure they are aware of any risks posed by their new environment. This is just the start. Good safety is an on going process. Staff need reminders and refreshers to ensure they stick to procedures and best practice.

Health and safety handbooks are a great way to give them the information they need. They can keep them in their desk drawers and refer back to them whenever they aren't sure about something to do with safety. Induction training alone is not enough. There's a need for proper carry through to ensure people work safely and that their actions don't endanger themselves or their colleagues.

There are a number of key benefits to improving employee health and safety and more and more companies are starting to switch on to this way of thinking. Safety isn't a hindrance, it's a better way of working that improves the reputation of the business and helps it become more productive.

Health and safety handbooks have a vital role to play in ensuring that safety messages aren't forgotten after the initial induction period and that staff have access to information they need to work safely whenever they need it. Don't let skills and knowledge fade over time. Keep good safety practice at the forefront of people's minds and they won't forget what is expected of them.