End of Summer Readiness

As summer winds down, many workplaces start preparing for a busier autumn. Whether its returning to full staffing levels, ramping up new projects, or resuming regular operations after the holiday lull, August is the perfect time to check that everything is in order. This newsletter focuses on ensuring your business is ready- safely and compliantly- for what comes next.

The Dangers

Even with normal operations continuing over summer, this time of year can still introduce overlooked risks: Failing to address these can lead to injuries, near misses, or compliance failures at the worst possible time.

· Outdated documents- such as Risk Assessments and Method Statements, may no longer reflect current site conditions or activities.

· Staffing changes- such as shortages due to holidays and schools being closed, it can reduce site supervision and emergency preparedness.

· Increased workloads- May cause safety checks or procedures to be rushed or skipped.

· Worn or damaged PPE and equipment- can reduce protection and increase risk.

· Housekeeping lapses- including cluttered walkways or faded signage, can cause slips, trips and reduce hazard awareness.

The Law

Employers have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. Key areas to focus on for ‘readiness’ include:

· Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999- particularly risk assessment updates and employee competence.

· Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)- ensuring equipment is safe and maintained.

· The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005- checking fire safety arrangements are in place and up to date. Regular reviews and planned maintenance are not just good practice- they’re required by law.

What can you do?

Here are some practical steps you can take to make sure your workplace is safe, compliant, and ready for a busy autumn.

Review Risk Assessments and RAMS- Make sure risk assessments and method statements are still up to date, especially if there have been any changes in staff equipment, or procedures over the summer. It’s a good time to refresh documents before project work picks up.
Deliver Refresher Training or Toolbox talks- Use the quieter weeks to run short refresher sessions. Topics like manual handling, fire safety, or slips and trips are ideal. Make sure any new or temporary staff have had a full induction.

Check First Aid and Fire Safety- Review your list of first aiders and fire marshals- is coverage still adequate? Restock first aid kits and check fire extinguishers.
Inspect Equipment and PPE- Give tools, machinery, and PPE a good check- especially if they’ve been sitting unused. Look for signs of wear, damage, or expiry dates and reorder what is needed in plenty of time.
Walk the workplace- A quick safety walk can reveal common issued like blocked exits, damaged signage or poor housekeeping. Tidy up now to prevent accidents later.

As summer ends, it’s the perfect time to review your workplace health and safety arrangements. Even if operations have continued as normal, issues like outdated risk assessments, worn PPE, or training gaps can build up unnoticed. Taking action now helps reduce the risk of accidents, ensures legal compliance and sets your team up for a safe and productive autumn. If you need help with reviews, toolbox talks or documentation, we are here to support you.

If you feel like you would like any advice or help with any of the above, please feel free to contact us on equries@wedohealthandsafety.co.uk

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