Thousands of employers could be falling short of their legal duty to display a new and updated Health and Safety Law Poster in their workplace, according to the supplier of the product.
Legislative changes introduced earlier in the year compel workplaces to change out their old posters with the Health and Safety Executive’s latest version.
The workplace equipment supplier, Slingsby, began producing the new posters in 2009. Whilst it has received a deluge of orders for the posters since the beginning of the year, it’s managing director Lee Wright believes many businesses still need to make the switch.
“Workplaces have had a five year transition period to update these posters but despite this, you don’t have to look far to find an old style, text heavy, health and safety poster which still adorn the walls of lots of workplaces,” he said.
The Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations compels employers to display the approved poster in a prominent position in each workplace or to provide workers with a copy of the approved leaflet.
But Mr Wright said many workplaces remained unaware of the changes which were introduced on 5th April 2014.
He commented: “The new poster is designed to be much easier to read and sets out in simple terms, using numbered lists of basic points and pictures, what employers and their employees should know about health and safety and what to do in the event of an accident.
“Each poster also comes with a hologram and serial number to certify that it’s a legitimate product because even health and safety posters can fall victim to criminals who illegally copy and sell them.”
How can I get a copy of the poster?
It’s simple.
You can access further details and download the materials at the HSE’s website.
