If you’re running any business that involves trades, then safety and security should be considered fundamental concerns. If you’re unable to protect your assets and your workforce, then you’ll find it difficult to stay productive.
But exactly which measures should you deploy? Let’s take a look at some of the more important and effective.
Physical asset protection & site security
Tool theft is an obvious source of potential vulnerability. The tools used by most tradespeople are expensive, portable, and easily sold. This makes them extremely tempting targets for would-be thieves.
Fortunately, there are a number of effective ways to safeguard tools and other assets. Make sure that everything is kept under lock and key, and that you don’t leave any tools overnight in vans. Providing secure parking and marking equipment so that it isn’t misplaced can be important, too. Digital inventory tracking, security cameras, and biometric access control can all be effective, too.
Staff safety, welfare and training
If your team don’t understand the risks they face, then they may find themselves ill-equipped to deal with those risks. If there are hazards on a given site, then it’s essential that those hazards are spotted quickly. When every member of the team knows what to look for, and you implement rules to ensure that they actually do look for those things, you’ll stand a better chance of keeping everyone safe.
The provision of basic equipment, like work safety trainers, can make a difference. This goes especially if you have rules in place to ensure that the equipment is actually used.
Cybersecurity & data protection in the trades
You might not suppose that a trades firm would be top of the list of targets for cybercriminals. But this assumption might actually be what places you at risk. If you have client data, and tools tracking information, stored on your systems, then you’ll want to implement measures to protect that data. Often, simple things like keeping software updated, and using two-factor authentication, can be enough to deter an intruder, and repel a breach.
Preparing for incidents, business continuity and reputation safeguarding
Despite all of your best efforts, you might ultimately find yourself in a tricky situation. If you’ve prepared for the most likely and damaging situations, then you might find it easier to respond promptly and effectively. Have a procedure in place for the reporting of accidents to RIDDOR , and make sure that there’s a continuity plan in place, so that the business isn’t exposed by the sudden departure of a senior stakeholder.
Your plans should account for recent changes in regulation. In 2025, the more relevant ones concern post-Grenfell fire safety changes for high rise buildings , product recall rules, and offsite construction.
