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We’ve all heard it: “Health & Safety is just common sense.” But the truth is, common sense alone isn’t a safety strategy.
Common sense is subjective What seems obvious to one employee may not be to another — especially when stress, fatigue, or inexperience come into play. Safety requires systems, not assumptions Policies, risk assessments, and training provide consistency. Without them, compliance becomes unreliable and accidents more likely. Culture counts Building a strong safety culture means employees act not out of assumption, but out of shared knowledge and training. The real cost of relying on ‘common sense’ Accidents, fines, reputational damage, and downtime are all risks that far outweigh the investment in proper systems. 👉 At WT Consultancy, we help businesses replace “common sense” with practical, proven safety measures. Our team of consultants delivers tailored support to keep your workplace safe and compliant. 3 Quick Compliance Wins You Can Implement This Week
Compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are three simple steps you can take this week to strengthen safety in your business. 1. Review your fire exits Ensure all escape routes are clear, doors are accessible, and signage is visible. 2. Refresh your accident book Check that incidents are recorded properly and that staff know how to use the system. 3. Check your training certificates Are any due to expire? Booking refreshers now prevents lapses that could cause issues during an inspection. These quick wins show inspectors you take safety seriously — and they keep your workforce confident and protected. 👉 Need more than quick wins? WT Consultancy offers full Health & Safety support, from audits to training, so you can get peace of mind. Martyn’s Law: What You Need to Know About the UK’s New Counter-Terrorism LawA Legacy Turned LegislationOn 3 April 2025, the UK government granted Royal Assent to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, popularly known as Martyn’s Law. The law honors Martyn Hett, who tragically lost his life in the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack, and reflects the determined campaigning of his mother, Figen Murray, to safeguard others from similar horror GOV.UKHome Office Media.
Why It MattersMartyn’s Law introduces a legal duty requiring certain public venues and events to prepare and protect against terrorist activity. The legislation is part of the government’s broader CONTEST counter-terrorism strategy, aligning with the “Protect and Prepare” pillars ProtectUKGreenberg Traurig. It reflects recent inquiry findings (like the Manchester Arena Inquiry) and aims to transform public safety at crowded places Greenberg TraurigGOV.UK. Tiered Approach Based on Venue CapacityThe law employs a tiered system based on how many people a premises or event can hold:
Who Is Responsible?Responsibility lies with the "responsible person"—typically the individual or organisation controlling the use of the premises or event. In cases with multiple uses, priority is given to the principal Schedule 1 use ProtectUK. The Enforcement Regulator: SIAThe Security Industry Authority (SIA) is appointed as the enforcement regulator. During a 24-month implementation period, the SIA must be notified by responsible persons, will publish guidance, offer support, and later enforce compliance—from issuing notices and monetary penalties to criminal sanctions in serious scenarios Home Office MediaProtectUKGOV.UKGreenberg Traurig. Why the Delay?The Act doesn’t come into effect immediately. Instead, there's at least a 24-month lead time before full implementation—allowing time for regulatory setup and guidance development, and giving affected venues the opportunity to prepare Home Office MediaProtectUK. Broader Context & Impact
Final ThoughtsMartyn’s Law marks a pivotal shift toward proactive safety at public venues and large events across the UK. It embeds terrorist preparedness into the legal landscape in a proportionate, tiered, and pragmatic manner. While requiring effort, especially from small businesses and community venues, it prioritises reasonably practicable steps over costly retrofits—empowering venues to help save lives. If you'd like, I can break this down further—targeting specific sectors (e.g., retail, hospitality, or local community halls)—or explore compliance strategies in more depth. Just let me know! Why preparation matters Reacting after a regulation takes effect is stressful and costly. Preparing now ensures smoother transitions and avoids disruption. 👉 WT Consultancy keeps 200+ businesses compliant and ready for change. If you’d like a clear breakdown of how 2025 regulations could affect your sector, get in touch today. Top 5 Health & Safety Myths Costing UK Businesses Time and Money
Health & Safety is often seen as a “necessary evil” in business. But this mindset leads to myths that cost organisations time, money, and sometimes much more. Let’s bust five of the most common myths we encounter. 1. “It’s just common sense” What seems obvious to one person may be invisible to another. Relying on “common sense” instead of structured risk assessments is a recipe for missed hazards. 2. “Training isn’t necessary – staff already know what to do” Assumptions about knowledge are dangerous. Regular training ensures your workforce can respond correctly under pressure. 3. “Small businesses don’t need to worry” Compliance requirements apply to all employers, regardless of size. Smaller businesses often suffer more from downtime, fines, or reputational harm. 4. “Risk assessments are just paperwork” A well-executed risk assessment isn’t a form-filling exercise — it’s a tool to save lives, prevent accidents, and reduce liability. 5. “We’ll deal with it if something happens” By then, it’s too late. Prevention is far cheaper than paying the price of an accident, fine, or legal action. 👉 At WT Consultancy, we help UK businesses cut through the myths with practical, hands-on Health & Safety support. From training to audits, we make compliance simple and effective. |
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