Health and safety (H&S) should be about sensible proportionate actions that protect people and business - not unnecessary bureaucracy and paperwork.
We work hand in hand with people and businesses to help guide them through the myriad of H&S legislation and to comply with their responsibilities of due diligence in a clear cut manner.
If there is one thing a H&S consultant can be certain of it is that no two days or sites are ever the same. There are always core aspects to check to ensure compliance with H&S, food safety and fire safety legislation, but what is found varies widely - as do any specific requests from clients.
Of course, a meticulous check of essential paperwork (food safety records, cellar health and safety, H&S inductions and policies, risk assessments, fire control and the like) is a necessary part of any assessment - but there is much more to consider.
Staff and systems
Our consultants ascertain whether or not all members of staff are fully aware of the systems in place - and how they should be implemented. They also discuss - in complete confidence - any issues encountered with the systems and offer solutions so preventative measures can be put in place. They provide solutions to minimise the risk of any harm to people and business, not create problems.
The consultant is always looking for hazards and ensuring that risk assessments have been developed, implemented and reviewed.
During an inspection, on-going training will also come under the spotlight to ensure that it is relevant, up-to-date and regularly reviewed - because a lack of training is one of the most common causes of error and failure of an environmental health officer inspection.
Apart from ensuring that a company is compliant with regard to its legal obligations and the recommendations of the relevant councils and agencies, our audits can also show whether or not a site is compliant with its own management standards and specific requirements.
This helps to prevent any breach of company regulations and to reduce loss and stress across an estate.
Our consultants always report back to the company's nominated managers on completion of an inspection by providing a summary of findings the same day which is then followed by a comprehensive report.
We provide an objective view of your business together with sound advice accumulated from years of experience in dealing with regulations, councils and government bodies and from partnering thousands of "best in practise" businesses all over the country.
Stuart Knill is general manager for Venners Health & Safety Division. Founded in 1896, Venners is the UK's largest and longest established stock audit company servicing the hospitality and leisure sector. Its services include liquor and food stocktaking; inventory listings and valuations; compliance audit; and a range of health and safety services including food safety and fire safety. It serves all the UK and key European cities using only its own employees.
Call 01279 620 820, email enquiries@venners.co.uk or visit www.venners.com