What do you think is the biggest challenge businesses face when meeting health and safety regulations?
And the results of the poll are in!
We recently posed this question to our audience, and the responses were insightful.
The results reveal that the majority of respondents believe business-wide compliance (36%) is the biggest challenge they face when it comes to meeting health and safety regulations.
But that’s not the whole picture. It’s important to examine all four areas and, collectively, examine the results to gain a comprehensive understanding of the broader landscape.
Taken together, these poll results demonstrate the multifaceted nature of compliance challenges. They underscore the need for an all-inclusive and holistic approach that addresses regulatory interpretations, resource allocation, organisational culture, and employee engagement.
By collectively acknowledging and addressing these challenges, businesses can enhance their compliance efforts, create a safer working environment, and mitigate potential risks.
These are the results, and we’d be interested in your thoughts.
The Results
This didn’t surprise us as there are so many complex regulations to consider, interpret and implement. However, achieving compliance across all business areas is crucial for maintaining a safe environment. It requires a systematic approach, effective communication, and the involvement of all. By fostering a culture of health and safety, businesses can ensure that compliance becomes ingrained in their operations. Do you have a copy of the Building Safety Act Checklist 2022?
Resistance from employees or management (27%)
Again, this didn’t surprise us. Resistance from employees or management can impede progress towards achieving compliance and implementing robust health and safety practices. Whether it stems from a lack of awareness, fear of change, or perceived inconvenience, addressing resistance is crucial for creating a safety culture. Overcoming this challenge requires effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and a shared understanding of the benefits of a safe working environment.
Lack of resources (time, money, staff) (18%)
Resource scarcity can pose significant challenges when meeting health and safety requirements. Whether it’s a lack of time, budget constraints, or inadequate staffing, businesses often struggle to allocate the necessary resources to effectively address health and safety concerns. However, investing in health and safety is a worthwhile contribution to your employees’ well-being and your business’s long-term success.
Understanding and interpreting complex regulations & legislation (18%)
Health and safety regulations can be intricate and subject to frequent updates. Unsurprisingly, many businesses find it challenging to stay abreast of the latest requirements. However, this challenge can be overcome with the right resources and expert guidance. Read 15 Key Things To Help You Go Beyond Ticking Boxes To Be Safe.
Six Things To Consider
Here are six things that you can consider in addressing the above
- Stay Informed - Regularly review relevant guidelines and industry publications to stay updated on the latest regulations and legislation. Attend webinars for valuable insights and to keep up with the evolving health and safety landscape.
- Seek Professional Guidance - Consider engaging a specialised health and safety consultancy, like Ligtas, who can support you in navigating complex regulations. We can provide expert guidance tailored to your industry and help you understand requirements, assess practices, and develop effective compliance strategies.
- Establish Clear Processes - Develop comprehensive policies and procedures outlining steps to meet required standards. Communicate these processes to employees and provide necessary training. Document activities, such as risk assessments and inspections, for future reference and audit trails.
- Foster a Culture of Safety - Ingrain compliance into the fabric of your organisation, not by force but by demonstrating leadership commitment. Engage employees in safety initiatives, and provide ongoing training to empower them in identifying hazards and maintaining compliance. Start these at the induction stage.
- Conduct Regular Audits - Establish a schedule for routine audits and inspections. Document findings, develop action plans for non-compliance, and ensure timely completion of corrective measures.
- Effective Communication and Training - Clearly communicate policies and procedures, utilise visual aids for reinforcement, and provide tailored training programs for each department or job role. Foster open communication channels and address misconceptions to build trust and shared understanding.
If you’re facing any of these challenges or have other health and safety concerns, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your business and make a positive impact on your health and safety practices. Let’s overcome these obstacles and create a safer world for everyone.
PS: If you’re interested in joining our team and helping businesses overcome these challenges, visit our website to explore career opportunities.
