At Harrier, we’re all about making safety simple and accessible for everyone. Whether you’re running large-scale events or working solo, understanding what’s fact (and what’s fiction) is the first step towards getting it right!
Between confusing advice online, and outdated definitions of healthy and safety – it’s clear that a lot of people remain split on what it actually means and what is usually involved. In today’s blog post we wanted to debunk several common health and safety myths and hopefully shed some light on what’s real.
1. “I’m a sole trader – I don’t need to do risk assessments.”
We hear this a lot, but the truth is – you do!
Even if you’re working alone, it’s still possible to encounter risks, and so you have a duty to manage them. Health and safety law doesn’t just apply to large corporations, but to all businesses – including the self-employed if your work poses a risk to others. If you interact with clients, suppliers or members of the public, carrying out a risk assessment will protect your business and save you many headaches in the long run.
This doesn’t mean you need mountains of paperwork – it just means taking the time to think things through properly and taking reasonable steps to keep yourself and others safe.
2. “I don’t need to read the small print on my insurance.”
We know insurance policies aren’t exactly the most exciting read, but many of them include safety restrictions hidden in the small print. These could cover anything from how far away combustibles must be stored from a building to audit requirements, or the type of training your staff need to complete.
Many businesses assume they’re protected when, in fact, they might not be covered for certain activities, equipment, or incidents. That could mean a nasty surprise if something actually goes wrong.
It’s important to make a habit of reviewing your policy each year and asking your provider questions if anything is unclear. If you’re unsure where to start, get a health and safety provider like ours to look at this for you. Checking this through will save you a lot of stress down the line!
3. “Health and safety just makes life harder.”
If health and safety is carried out correctly, it should actually make your life easier.
The goal of health and safety is to reduce any risks, prevent incidents, and help you work with peace of mind. Problems usually arise when people either overcomplicate it by adding unnecessary steps – or skip it entirely and face the consequences.
Trying to figure it all out alone can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here! Getting an external safety supplier to review documents and create practical safety plans will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what you do best – and it might even save you money!
4. “The more paperwork I have, the safer I am.”
The truth is that the quality of your paperwork is more important than the quantity.
Having shelves full of risk assessments and policies doesn’t automatically mean you’re covered.
What matters most is making sure that documents suitably and sufficiently reflect your activities to help reduce risks.
An effective safety plan is clear, tailored to your work, and easy to action. It’s not about ticking boxes but about protecting people.
Final Thoughts
Health and safety doesn’t need to be complicated, and it definitely shouldn’t be a burden. It’s about knowing exactly what’s required of you and getting the help you need to make sure your bases are covered.
If you’re unsure where you stand or if you need a hand, get in touch with our friendly team today! We’re always happy to help wherever you need it!
📞 01332 460703
📧 info@harriersafety.com