Hallidays take lead on office health and safety

Leading Stockport accountancy firm Hallidays has completed a root and branch review of its approach to health and safety as part of an ongoing commitment to keeping staff safe and healthy at work.

Michelle Hay of Michelle Hay Training led the review for the company over the course of five weeks, revising and updating their health and safety policy and procedures to ensure full regulatory compliance.

She conducted a thorough health and safety audit and took all Hallidays’ employees through bespoke health and safety courses to heighten awareness of how to stay safe and healthy in an office environment.

This included sessions on working with Display Screen Equipment (DSE), manual handling and fire safety awareness. All legal requirements.

Office Manager Mandy Sheridan said Michelle’s advice and support throughout had been invaluable. She commented: “What Michelle does not know about health and safety in the workplace is not worth knowing. The whole experience has exceeded my expectations.”

As a result of the review team members are now working through new protocols around office life including the sensible lifting of heavy boxes, the proper closing down of meeting rooms, turning off equipment, not leaving bags and other possessions in walkways, checking all areas of the building to make sure they are clutter free on a regular basis.

Michelle also reviewed and updated the Fire Risk Assessment which is a separate piece of legislation affecting all businesses.

Stockport-based Michelle Hay said that Hallidays had been tremendous to work with and evidence of a growing number of office-based firms taking a fresh look at health and safety provision.

“All companies need to be aware of their legal responsibilities regarding safeguarding people in the workplace.

‘There is a tendency to think that it is more important in a high risk manufacturing environment, but accidents and ill health can happen anywhere.

‘It’s my job to point out the risks – even in office spaces – and work with companies to put in processes to keep people safe and healthy at work.”

Nigel Bennett, managing partner at Hallidays, said Michelle Hay had the senior management team’s full backing: “Her knowledge is second to none and her engaging, interactive approach to training and advice turns a potentially dull subject into an enjoyable and memorable experience – which is key to it all.”