Content of this unit
Health and safety risk
Any business that has a workplace with employees or a location that customers visit is at risk to health and safety injuries. As the business owner, it is always your responsibility to ensure the safety of your employees and customers as well as minimising any risk of passing by members of the public.

To reduce the risks of injury and death in the workplace, you should carry out regular risk assessments and take relevant action accordingly. Sometimes, mistakes happen, and when they do, it is important to be prepared. For example, if a customer slips on a wet floor in your shop resulting in them injuring themselves badly, they may make a claim against you.

It is important to make sure you have the correct insurance policy in place before you start a business. Without insurance, if a claim is made against you by an employee, customer or third party, you will be responsible for any legal fees and compensation costs – which can be very expensive.