Risk, Fire, First Aid: The Health & Safety Checklist You Shouldn’t Ignore

Health and safety compliance is a legal obligation, but it can also lead to reduced insurance premiums, a safer workforce, and protection against costly claims. Getting the basics in place is simpler than most people think, and the three areas below are the most important starting points, according to Jenadco’s Su Corrin, the TBA’s health and safety advisor.

Risk Assessments

Write all the risks down, insurers are increasingly requiring documented risk assessments at renewal, and without them, you are exposed, both commercially and legally. They don't need to be lengthy; they need to be accurate, proportionate, and followed. Identify the significant hazards in your operation like dust, chemicals, manual handling, working with horses, and note how they're controlled, and keep it on file.

Fire Safety

Fire is one of the highest-risk hazards as combustible materials are everywhere. There is a legal requirement to have a fire risk assessment for your premises. Beyond that, know where your nearest hydrant is - especially in rural areas because fire trucks carry limited water and there may not be one nearby. Have an evacuation plan for staff and horses, and make sure your team knows it.

First Aid

Provisions should be proportionate to your operation. For smaller businesses, that means a stocked first aid kit, a completed needs assessment, and clear knowledge of the nearest minor injuries unit. It doesn't have to be complicated - it just has to be thought through.

TBA members get a free 30-minute health and safety consultation, plus templates and guidance in the members area. Email [email protected] to book. Want more information like this? Listen to the full podcast via Spotify, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.