Top health and safety mistakes businesses must avoid

With World Day for Safety and Health at Work approaching, it is an ideal time for businesses to reflect on the importance of maintaining health and safety in every workplace.

Gavin Scarr Hall, director of Health & Safety at Peninsula, says, “Health & safety is not just the responsibility of select few – it’s something that affects all of us, every day. Whether you’re in the office, at home or working remotely, we all play a vital role in creating and maintaining a safe environment. While great advances have been made, there are still far too many mistakes being made by businesses across the country many of which are easily avoidable and quick to fix. I’ve put together a list of the top 5 most common mistakes my team has found over the last year.”

Failing to display the Health & Safety Law poster
A surprisingly common oversight among businesses is not displaying the mandatory Health & Safety Law poster. The poster outlines the legal responsibilities of both employers and employees regarding workplace safety. Businesses employing staff are legally obliged to either display the poster where it is easily visible or distribute the official leaflet to each employee. “So, take it out of the drawer and get it on the wall,” urges Scarr Hall.

Not sharing risk assessments with staff
Completing a risk assessment is only part of the process; failing to involve employees is a mistake seen all too often. Staff typically have detailed knowledge of the practical risks associated with their work, and involving them helps create more effective safety controls. Sharing the outcomes also promotes greater compliance and fosters a culture of collective responsibility.

Neglecting health & safety training
Employers are required by law to provide appropriate information, instruction, and training to employees, contractors, and site visitors to ensure safe working practices. Training must be accessible, taking into account the varying language skills, educational backgrounds, and learning abilities of workers. Selecting the right method—whether classroom training, on-the-job instruction, or toolbox talks—ensures employees receive the knowledge they need to work safely.

Poor housekeeping practices
Workplaces must be kept clean and well-maintained, as required by safety and welfare regulations. Good housekeeping is essential not only for hygiene but also for accident prevention. Employers should implement formal maintenance and cleaning routines, while employees should also be responsible for keeping their workspaces tidy and hazard-free. Policies must clearly outline these expectations.

Overlooking mental health and work-related stress
Mental health issues are now the leading cause of workplace absence, with over half a million workers suffering from work-related stress in the UK alone. “The earlier an employee’s symptoms of stress at work are recognised the easier it is to control and manage,” says Scarr Hall. To address this, employers should implement a work-related stress policy that details the company's commitment to prevention and the measures in place to support affected employees.