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As a business owner, the last thing you want is a lawsuit on your hand. If somebody has an accident on your business premises, or if they fall ill because of them, you could be held legally responsible, and as well as suffering the expense of compensation claims, you could also suffer the loss of your good reputation.

If you’re working from home, the same applies. A client coming to your house for a meeting could also file a claim against you if injured in or around your house. 

So, ask yourself: How safe are my business premises?

Here are a few of the things you should watch out for.

A poorly-lit outside area

If your employees are expected to leave work late of an evening, they could injure themselves if they cannot see very well as they exit your business premises. It’s in your best interest to incorporate lighting, perhaps on a timer switch so as to reduce your energy bills, as visibility will then be increased.

Loose handrails

When navigating the inside of your building, some employees and customers may be reliant on handrails for mobility purposes. But if these handrails have become worn over time, an accident could take place if there are structural issues. It is in your best interest to replace these and any other loose fixtures, perhaps by using the services of a company such as Eckstrom who have what it takes to manufacture something of use for you.

Areas with little ventilation

Ventilation is a must, especially in areas of your business where toxic chemicals and other hazardous substances may be used. However, all areas of your business should be ventilated well, as clean air is a necessity for all of the people who use your premises. For those rooms that have windows, you should open them partway, and for those that don’t, you should look into getting a decent ventilation system to protect your business users.

A cluttered office space

If your office space is small, clutter might be a problem. From boxes placed on the floor to trailing wires and cables, your office area could be a hazard waiting to happen, as trips and falls are likely if there are obstacles in your employees’ way. To protect your staff, you should invest in more storage for your office and tiebacks for your cables. It might be that you also remove surplus items from your office space, as the less there is, the reduced chances of somebody having an accident. 

Faulty equipment

If the electrical appliances your business uses haven’t been PAT tested, there is the risk of an electrical shock or a fire breaking out. And if the machinery you use is faulty in any way, then the chances of your employees having a nasty accident are high. Despite the investment, you need to make sure your equipment is tested regularly, and you should replace any item if they are no longer fit for use. 

How safe are your business premises? 

We haven’t covered every danger here, but we hope you get the point. You need to check your business premises for any problem areas. Commit to a risk-assessment then, and protect the people who use your premises while also protecting the name and finances of your business.