Statistics show that in 2024, as many as 14% of all workers are remote.
If you have a business that you run from your home, your garage, or a large garden shed, it can save you money on commuting, taxes, and, of course, lunch and food.
However, many remote workers are surprised to learn that they may need to have a safety procedure put in place for their kind of work to ensure that they have some kind of protocol should things go wrong.
So, when exactly should you implement safety procedures when you have a home business?
When You Work With Food
Do you bake cakes for a living in your extended, industrial-style kitchen? You will need to implement safety procedures related to handling food, food hygiene, and, of course, fire management. You should look into having fire exit signs placed in the area of work, which you can purchase from seton.co.uk, as well as having fire extinguishers and an escape route out of your industrial kitchen.
When You Work With Machinery
Safety procedures and machinery go hand in hand and, whether you are a carpenter, a builder or you are a handyman who repairs furniture, you need to make sure that you have first aid training, that any staff you have onsite have first aid training, and that there is a first aid kit available.
When Clients/Customers Visit The Space
You want to protect your clients or customers but it may not be satisfactory for them to see photos or videos of what you do; they may want to visit your home workshop. So, should this be a likely outcome, you will need to ensure that there are set safety procedures in place. This could be your clients or customers wearing hard hats while on site, high-visibility vests, and so on. These measures will not only protect your business but will also show them that you take your business seriously and respect their safety: instant good PR!
When Your Business Expands
When your business moves from being just you to suddenly being you and your nephew James (for example), you will need to put in safety procedures, irrespective of the work you are doing. This will ensure that should James be working with tools or food haphazardly, there is something in place that can legally protect you. So, make sure that anyone who works for you has a copy of your business safety procedures, both a physical and digital copy, and be sure that they read it cover to cover!
When You Work Outside
Suppose you are a carpenter who is using a rotary saw outside; you will likely not want to or be able to use it if it is raining. However, this may mean missing a deadline or needing to extend one; what do you do?
You have safety procedures put into place so that any clients or customers are aware that, should you be working outside, there are rules and regulations as to when you can do so, as well as rules about your safety and the use of equipment. This will keep you and your home business safe, as well as keep your power tools in working order!