Major Supermarket Fined

Tesco, the UK’s best-known supermarket and the world’s third-largest retailer, has paid a £48,000 fine for a series of health and safety offences, which led to accidents involving staff at Tesco stores in the Warfield area. This serves as a reminder to all UK business owners that protecting the health and safety of employees on a daily basis is paramount.

The Employer’s Role

When safety procedures in the workplace are allowed to slide, the staff will be put at risk, which in turn means the entire business is at risk. Whether it means ensuring that employees wear standard protective gear and safety shoes to combat workplace hazards, or that they follow certain safety regulations during everyday office activities, it is the responsibility of the employer to see that all precautions have been taken to ensure the good health of the workforce.

New Online Initiative

Fortunately, the UK Government is taking steps to make maintaining health and safety at work that much easier, by launching an online directory designed to help businesses find a health and safety consultant. The site, named the Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register, already boasts over 1600 registered consultants. Before registering, a consultant must meet stringent criteria, including a degree-level qualification and 2 years’ experience in the field. This means business owners can be assured of top-quality advice on health and safety policies should they require a consultant’s services.

The OSHCR is a response to a recently compiled report titled “Common Sense, Common Safety”, which called for a higher level of competence in the field of occupational health and safety advice. If you need guidance concerning health and safety in your workplace, or are hoping to register as a consultant, visit the site today and be part of this latest initiative.

About David Cant

A chartered (fellow) safety and risk management practitioner with 20+ years of experience. David provides a healthy dose of how-to articles, advice and guidance to make compliance easier for construction professionals, Architects and the built environment. Get social with David on Twitter and Linkedin.