As the summer sun shines and many workplaces experience a slight dip in activity, August presents a unique and valuable opportunity. While others might be winding down, this quieter period is ideal for a proactive, strategic move: a comprehensive mid-year review of your workplace health and safety processes.
At SG World, we understand that safety isn't a one-off task; it's a continuous commitment. Taking advantage of the summer lull allows you to step back, assess your current safety landscape, and make improvements that will ensure your business is robustly prepared for the busier autumn and winter months.
Here are five critical areas to focus on during your review to ensure your site is safe, compliant, and efficient.
Summer often sees a different flow of people on site, with contractors finishing maintenance projects and staff holidays causing cover changes. A robust visitor management system is vital for security and efficiency. Review your current process to ensure you can quickly and accurately account for everyone on site, maintaining clear, compliant records for fire safety and security.
SG World Solution: Our Visitor Management Systems create a professional first impression while providing an accurate, real-time record of everyone on your premises.
Clearly identifiable staff are fundamental to a secure workplace. Review your staff ID procedures, ensuring all personnel have appropriate, visible identification. This enhances security, controls access to sensitive areas, and ensures visitors know who to approach for assistance. It’s the perfect time to audit the condition and supply of your lanyards and ID cards.
SG World Solution: We provide a full range of customisable visitor management and identification products to keep your team secure and professional.
From the reception area to the warehouse or factory floor, your entire premises must be safe. Walk the site and inspect it for potential hazards. Check that essential Safety Signage is visible, clear, and up-to-date, especially if your layout has changed. For high-risk tasks, ensure your formal Permit to Work system is being used correctly and effectively by all relevant staff and contractors.
SG World Solution: Ensure clarity and compliance with our comprehensive range of safety signage and meticulous permit to work systems.
While we hope they're never needed, well-drilled emergency plans are non-negotiable. Review your fire evacuation procedures and check that your accident reporting mechanisms are effective and understood by all. A good system not only records accidents but also captures near-misses, providing invaluable data to prevent future incidents.
SG World Solution: Our robust Near Miss Reporting Books provide clear, duplicate copies for accurate and actionable data capture.
A safe workplace runs on clear, accessible information. Use this time to ensure your risk assessments are current and all safety policies are easily understood by staff. Are you capturing all necessary information? Are staff, especially new hires or those in new roles, fully trained on procedures? Identifying gaps now prevents problems later.
SG World Solution: Our specialised Permits to Work help create the meticulous records required for a compliant workplace.
By dedicating time this summer to a mid-year safety review, you're not just ticking a box; you're making a strategic investment in the well-being of your employees, the resilience of your operations, and the long-term success of your business.
Fortify your safety foundations before the busy autumn period begins. To discuss your specific safety and compliance processes, speak to an SG World expert today.
Contact our team for a no-obligation review of your safety systems via email or call 01270 588 211