How to manage health and safety risks in the workplace?

Lewis Normoyle

08-21-2023

How to manage health and safety risks in the workplace?

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A structured approach to compliance with the Health and Safety Executive regulations, risk management and workforce training

Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations is more than a legal requirement; it’s a fundamental aspect of risk management, employee protection, and operational efficiency.

Regardless of industry, every organisation must comply with the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) and other Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations. However, many businesses struggle to implement an integrated compliance strategy, leading to inconsistent risk management, regulatory gaps, and avoidable workplace incidents.

In this blog, Lewis explores how organisations can adopt a proactive approach to health and safety compliance, ensuring that policies, workflows, and training programs are fully aligned with HSE regulations.

The legal framework - Understanding your health and safety responsibilities

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) is the UK's primary legislation governing occupational health and safety. Under this law:

Employers must provide a safe working environment, adequate training, and effective risk control measures.
Employees must follow safety protocols, report risks, and use protective equipment correctly.
Organisations must implement structured systems to manage compliance with HSE regulations.

Key HSE regulations impacting compliance

Beyond the HSWA, several HSE regulations shape health and safety compliance strategies across different industries:

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Requires employers to conduct risk assessments and implement preventive measures.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

Covers the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Establishes workplace conditions, sanitation, and facilities requirements.

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998

Ensures workplace equipment's safe use, maintenance, and inspection.

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

Mandates the reporting of workplace accidents and occupational diseases.

Non-compliance with these regulations can result in:

Legal action and substantial financial penalties
Increased accident rates and employee injury claims
Loss of business reputation and customer confidence.

To minimise risks and improve regulatory alignment, organisations must go beyond basic compliance and adopt strategic, data-driven health and safety management approaches.

The compliance challenge - Addressing workplace safety risks head-on

Workplaces today are evolving rapidly, introducing new risks, regulatory updates, and operational challenges. Some of the key obstacles organisations face include:

Managing compliance in high-risk industries - Sectors like healthcare, construction, and manufacturing require continuous risk assessment due to high exposure to hazards.
Lack of integrated compliance systems - Many organisations rely on disconnected processes, leading to compliance gaps and inefficiencies.
Policy fatigue - Some businesses have well-written safety policies but fail to implement and monitor them effectively.
Inconsistent training and competency management - Many organisations adopt a reactive approach to training rather than ensuring continuous compliance through structured programs.

To overcome these challenges, businesses must transition from reactive safety management to a proactive, structured compliance strategy.

The solution - Implementing an integrated compliance management system

A robust compliance strategy must integrate risk management, operational workflows, policies, and training programs into a single, streamlined framework.

Risk assessments and hazard management

Conduct routine risk assessments and update them regularly.
Implement hierarchical controls (Eliminate → Reduce → Isolate → Control → PPE → Training).
Align workflows with HSE compliance standards to prevent incidents before they occur.

Embedding compliance into operational systems

Integrate HSE compliance tracking into daily business operations.
Use automated compliance monitoring tools to detect potential risks early.
Centralise compliance documentation to ensure audit readiness.

Policy development and compliance procedures

Ensure all policies align with current HSE regulations.
Make health and safety policies accessible to all employees.
Implement workflow-based compliance procedures to ensure policy adherence.

Training and competency development

Deliver mandatory health and safety training for all employees.
Offer CPD-accredited courses on workplace safety and risk management.
Track training progress in real time to identify compliance gaps.

Continuous compliance monitoring and improvement

Implement incident reporting systems to track safety concerns.
Conduct regular audits and self-assessments.
Use data-driven insights to improve compliance performance over time.

How ComplyPlus™ helps organisations stay HSE-compliant

ComplyPlus™ is an industry-leading compliance management platform to streamline workplace health and safety compliance. It provides cutting-edge tools to help businesses reduce risks, ensure regulatory adherence, and improve operational efficiency.

Key features of ComplyPlus™

With automated tracking, structured training, centralised documentation, and expert-led guidance, ComplyPlus™ ensures businesses stay compliant, efficient, and audit-ready. Explore its key features below:

ComplyPlus™ LMS

Offers HSE-compliant training courses to upskill staff and ensure ongoing compliance.
Supports CPD-accredited learning programs tailored to industry-specific needs.
Provides real-time tracking of training completion and competency levels.

ComplyPlus™ policies and procedures

Provides editable, customisable policies aligned with HSE regulations.
Ensures all policies are accessible, structured, and audit-ready.
Helps businesses standardise compliance procedures across multiple locations

ComplyPlus™ docs

Centralises compliance documentation for easy retrieval during audits and inspections.
Automates document version control, reducing the risk of outdated policies.
Provides secure cloud-based storage, ensuring instant access to critical files.

ComplyPlus™ TMS

Tracks training completion, competency levels, and compliance status in real-time.
Generates detailed compliance reports to identify workforce training gaps.
Ensures organisations meet mandatory training and professional development requirements.

ComplyPlus™ webinars

Hosts expert-led compliance webinars covering HSE best practices, industry trends, and regulatory updates.
Provides interactive learning opportunities for leadership teams and frontline workers.
Keeps organisations up to date with evolving compliance challenges and solutions.

Case study - ComplyPlus™ in action

A UK-based care home provider using ComplyPlus™ can:

Automate risk assessments and compliance tracking.
Provide mandatory health and safety training to all staff.
Monitor compliance status through real-time dashboards.

The result? Improved safety culture, reduced risks, and full regulatory compliance. By combining technology-driven compliance management with expert-led training and support, we are helping businesses build safer, more efficient workplaces.

Conclusion - Future-proofing workplace compliance

Achieving health and safety compliance is not just about following regulations but about creating a culture of continuous improvement, risk prevention, and operational excellence. Businesses that integrate structured compliance strategies, proactive risk management, and automated compliance tracking will be better equipped to protect their employees, avoid legal repercussions, and maintain regulatory excellence.

With evolving workplace hazards and increasing regulatory scrutiny, organisations must avoid compliance challenges by leveraging digital solutions like ComplyPlus™. By embedding HSE compliance into daily workflows, investing in structured training, and using technology-driven compliance systems, businesses can transform workplace safety from a legal requirement into a strategic advantage.

Stay ahead of compliance challenges with ComplyPlus™

Health and safety compliance is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about protecting your workforce, improving efficiency, and building a safety culture.

Fill in this form or contact us today at +44 24 7610 0090 to learn how ComplyPlus™ can help your organisation simplify compliance, manage risks, and maintain workplace safety.

Last updated on 17-02-2025

About the author

Lewis Normoyle

Lewis has been instrumental in shaping our success from inception. His journey through various business units and international teams highlights his invaluable experience and business acumen. In his essential role overseeing operations, Lewis’s precision and efficiency stand out, ensuring smooth and effective processes throughout the organisation.