How Safe Is Your Workplace?

For many people, the cycle of waking up and going to work is repeated day after day. Accidents are definitely not something we expect to happen while trying to earn a living. Nevertheless, incidents at work do happen from time to time.

An accident at work can be a distressing experience for any employee. It is not only the physical injuries which may cause difficulties, but also the financial impact of losing wages and being unable to work whilst recovering. If you were injured at work due to your employer’s negligence, you might be able to make a claim for compensation. Employers are legally required to carry the insurance necessary to compensate their employees in cases of injury.

How to promote safety in the workplace?

Keeping your workplace safe is vitally important. You have a responsibility to your employees and yourself to provide a space free from injury. And while it might seem like building and safety regulations are always changing, there are some things that you, as an employer, can do in order to help everyone stay safe.

Training

Training is one way companies can promote a culture of safety in the workplace. By providing regular training to their employees, employers set an example and encourage them to take responsibility for their own safety. Employers must develop a comprehensive health and safety policy and train employees to recognise, eliminate and prevent employee exposure to hazards. It is also important to have a zero tolerance on the use of PPE when needed.

Performing regular inspections

Regularly inspect your workplace to prevent expensive and dangerous hazards. Prevention is the best way to keep problems from happening in the first place.

Signage

Put up signs that detail safety guidelines for workers; this will help ensure that everyone knows the rules and regulations so they can follow them consistently. Also, using signs that indicate hazards can help prevent incidents from happening to begin with.

Take out employers’ liability insurance

This step is mandatory. Employers’ liability insurance is an essential part of running a workplace. With this kind of coverage, even if your business is found liable for someone else’s injuries or damages, you are covered up to the limits of your policy.

What is employers’ liability insurance?

An employer's liability insurance policy is a type of business insurance required for every company with employees in the UK. Businesses employing one or more employees in Britain are legally required to offer this benefit, even if they are only temporary or working free of charge on an internship or other voluntary basis.

Employers must carry employers' liability insurance if their employees fall into any of the following categories:

• Full-time employees
• Part-time employees
• Students (including internships and work experience)
• Volunteers
• Staff are working on a temporary basis

Some employers are exempt from the law, such as:

• If your employees work abroad (but check local laws and regulations)
• Your employee holds more than 50% of the company's shares
• Employees are all members of your family (however, you may still want to insure them)
• You run a public organisation or government department

If you hire contractors or subcontractors, it becomes more difficult to decide whether you need employers' liability insurance. You may want to get legal advice if you are uncertain. It depends on the contract you have with each person and if they are using your equipment.

Employers' liability insurance differs from public liability insurance in that it covers claims made by employees and former employees only.

What is the minimum amount of employers' liability insurance I need?

Employers are legally required to have a minimum coverage of £5 million, but policies often have limits of up to £10 million. In the event that you need to dispute a claim, you may also want to consider a policy that covers your legal costs.

Give your business peace of mind with the right coverage.

When it comes to your business, you can't afford to be without the right kind of protection. Our experienced team of brokers are able to provide you with an all-encompassing, tailor-made policy to cover your business's needs.