If an accident at work occurs the implications appear to be obvious. There will be a claim for compensation; there could be a criminal prosecution and consequent fines.

But there are also the hidden costs:

• Legal fees
• Costs of cleaning up
• Time engaged by staff spent on preparing an accident investigation report, rather than developing the business
• Loss of expertise with time off for injured employee
• Cost of temporary replacement workers
• Training of replacement staff
• Impact on Insurance Premium
• Short term loss of business
• Customer dissatisfaction
• Loss of business and productivity

It is worthwhile having a proper and effective health and safety policy professionally drawn up for you with effective risk assessments.

But none of this helps if you do not put in place adequate monitoring and review procedures.