New services launched as survey show 40% of advice poor
Research conducted by Norwich Union Risk Services (NURS), soon to be Aviva Risk Management Solutions reveals that nearly 40% of businesses are not getting competent advice on their health and safety risks.
Simon Cook, lead health and safety consultant for NURS said: "The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations require companies to have at least one competent person qualified to advise on health and safety matters. This is even more important during these difficult economic times as the impact of a serious accident could be unbearable for many businesses.
"Often businesses tell us that they either don't have the time or resources, don't know where to begin when it comes to health and safety, or they need additional support and advice from someone who knows what they are talking about.
"Failing in the basic responsibilities of completing risk assessments means that firms are not aware of the hazards present on their premises and are not therefore managing them effectively. For example, we see businesses failing to segregate vehicles and pedestrians on their premises, or not putting housekeeping measures in place to ensure that slip and trip hazards are minimised."
NURS has launched a Competent Person Support service on three levels.
- for small businesses involving on-site mentoring
- for larger businesses, this involves a detailed Safety "Health-check" Audit, changing procedures and chairing health and safety committee.
- aimed at national or multi-national organisations, includes behavioural safety programmes, specialist education and training programmes and in-depth audits.
