by Megan LeNoir 1st September 2016
Something that doesn’t always get talked about is Small Business Safety. Having been a part of the ThinkSafe Small Business program and being a small business ourselves we understand that there are many things to think about in order for a business to survive and succeed. This may include responding to a competitive market, running of the day-to-day business and trying to save costs. These multiple focuses are not surprising, considering about one-quarter of Western Australian small businesses fail within their first five years. Therefore, safety and health may not be a priority over other critical factors for small business survival. However, research in small business has shown the benefits of having good safety and health practices and the drawback if a business is unprepared for work related injuries and incidents.
Examples of the benefits of good safety and health practice in small business are:
- Retaining employees and fostering their loyalty by ensuring their wellbeing;
- Increasing efficiency by reducing workplace injuries that holdup work activities;
- Avoiding business disruption.
- Increasing the chance of winning tenders or retaining contracts by meeting workplace safety and health requirements for some business clients;
- Contributing to increased sustainability of the family business by looking after the wellbeing of family members;
- Reducing business insurance based on a good safety and health record; and
- Avoiding financial burden from fines and other legal implications.
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe/introduction-safety-small-business
Give us a call, we would love to discuss how we can help your organisation in this area. You’ll be surprised at how cost effective we are!