The world of health and safety is always adapting, and with 2015 in full swing, now is the time to look at the latest changes. In addition to the simplification of construction site rules, it is now easier for offices to operate their environmental management systems. Not only that, the first energy savings deadline is due at the end of the year, and health and safety fines are set to increase.

Changes to health and safety in construction

While health and safety in construction may not affect many office workers, it can impact those who want to expand their business with new buildings. The number of projects that need to be reported to the HSE will reduce by around 50 percent, as constructors now only need to declare them if they run for 30 days with more than 20 workers, or those that run for more than 500 person days. In addition, both business and domestic clients can appoint a principle designer rather than having a CDM coordinator. Finally, both the need to assess competency and the need to adhere to the approved code of practice have been eliminated, with industry specific guidance replacing the code.

Environmental Guideline Compliance Has Become Easier

It is now easier for businesses to comply with environmental guidelines. The new ISO 14001 revisions strike the right balance between being business savvy and environmentally friendly. Businesses have three years to transfer to the new approach and obtain a certification, but there are benefits to doing this. The guidelines have been designed to improve efficiency, which means there are cuts to the cost of running an office. Business owners that demonstrate they are able to comply with their new guidelines broaden their opportunities, which in turn allows them to make more money. By meeting their legal obligations, business owners are likely to enhance trust amongst those with an interest in their operations, like stakeholders. Finally, adhering to environmental guidelines ultimately means using fewer resources, which is good news for office owners across the UK.

Further to the new environmental certification, office and business owners must meet their first Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) deadline by the 5th of December 2015. After meeting the Environmental Agency’s compliance rules, they must notify the agency. This means calculating the total energy usage over a 12-month period, along with energy saving audits for 90 percent of the energy usage. To meet the terms of ESOS, businesses must cover 90 percent of their energy usage with ESOS compliant audits, Display Energy Certificates, Green Deal Assessments or an ISO 500001 accredited energy management system.

Health and Safety Fines are on the Rise

While there are plenty of chances for offices to save money through less construction bureaucracy and environmentally friendly schemes, not complying with health and safety laws could see them subject to significant fine increases. Large office owners could face fines of up to £20 million if their negligence leads to the death of an employee. However, the largest fine to be handed out under the legislation overall has reached £500,000. Those implementing the new guidelines believe they are necessary as there has been no significant changes to the number of workplace fatalities and accidents, which does not apply to the office sector alone.

While not all of these changes will have an impact on offices across the UK, some make expansion and saving money easier, while others call for greater compliance.

References:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/

http://www.shponline.co.uk/four-workplace-game-changers-health-safety-2015/

http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards/management-standards/iso14000.htm