Health and Safety for Small Businesses
For more information about risk management advice complete this enquiry form or call:
0800 132 029
As an employer, or a self-employed person, you are responsible for health and safety in your business and in general, health and safety laws apply to all businesses.
Below you’ll find some information and simple templates specifically for small businesses to help you keep people safe and help you comply with health and safety law.
Risk Management Services are provided by NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Limited and are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Templates for small businesses
A well prepared health and safety policy will clearly set out and demonstrate to your employees your business’ commitment to health and safety and how you will manage it. It is a UK legal requirement and should clearly say who does what, when and how.
Health and Safety Policy - download template [PDF: 80KB]
Emergency Contacts and Key Details - download template [PDF: 75KB]
To help ensure your workplace is safe and secure, you’ll need to carry out suitable risk assessments. These assessments look at what conditions and/or practices in the workplace could cause harm to you, your employees, contractors, visitors and the public. The assessment should include what precautions you have taken to reduce and control the risks.
How to assess the risks in your business:
- Start by walking around your workplace and look for any hazards that could cause harm.
- Consider how the hazards could cause accidents or ill-health, who might be harmed and how serious it could be - ask your employees what they think the risks are as they may notice things that are not obvious to you.
- Decide on appropriate measures to control the risks and review any you may already have in place to ensure you have covered all you need to do.
Risk Assessment - download template [PDF: 37KB]
Young Person's Risk Assessment - download template [PDF: 67KB]
Providing relevant and effective training for your employees will help to ensure that everyone who works for your business can work safely without risk to their health. Employers need to provide information, training and supervision so that employees know what risks they may face, what measures are in place to deal with those risks and how to follow any emergency procedures.
Induction Training sign off record - download template [PDF: 44KB]
As an employer, you are responsible for putting in place first aid arrangements in your workplace. As accidents can happen at any time, you need to ensure your employees receive immediate attention if they are injured whilst at work - first aid can save lives and prevent minor injuries from becoming major ones. Your business’ first aid requirements will depend on your specific workplace but as a minimum you must:
- Provide a suitably stocked first aid box
- Appoint a person to take charge of first aid requirements
- Provide information for all employees giving details of first aid arrangements.
Accident Investigation Record - download template [PDF: 90KB]
Accident Record - download template [PDF: 36KB]
Another key priority for an employer should be to prevent and avoid accidents and ill health caused by work. Keeping records will help you to identify patterns of accidents and injuries, and will help when completing your risk assessment. Your insurance company may also want to see your records if there is a work-related claim. Under health and safety law, you must report and keep a record of certain injuries, incidents and cases of work-related illnesses.
Adventure Play Areas - download template [PDF: 89KB]
Bed and Breakfast - download template [PDF: 90KB]
Construction/Building Work - download template [PDF: 107KB]
Farmers Market - download template [PDF: 80KB]
Farm Shops - download template [PDF: 84KB]
Fire Safety - download template [PDF: 1,124KB]
Fishing - download template [PDF: 78KB]
Haulage - download template [PDF: 82KB]
Small Food and Drink Outlets - download template [PDF: 95KB]
Wedding, Conference and Hospitality Venues - download template [PDF: 106KB]
Business Insurance
With out Business Insurance you can pick and choose the insurance you need – and leave the bits you don’t.
Not sure what’s right for your business? Your local NFU Mutual agency office will take the time to understand your needs and explain and guide you through the process and show you the cover that your business needs.