Very few business managers consider health and safety to be a priority, according to a new survey.
The figures, compiled by insurers Premierline, suggest that just 37 per cent of managers think that health and safety is important. On the other hand, 86 per cent consider profit growth to be important.
Perhaps just as worryingly, 61 per cent of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) surveyed do not have a health and safety policy. Staff welfare is also not seen as a priority by many SME managers.
Of those firms that do have a health and safety policy, a massive 78 per cent have said that they have not revisited it within the past year. It is generally accepted that, in order to remain effective, policies should be amended regularly in line with business developments.
Business managers have a series of important legal responsibilities when it comes to health and safety, such as taking out employers' liability insurance. Staff welfare is also important, not least in order to retain a productive workforce.
