Volunteer-based Safety Information Centres can help small businesses to
improve their health and safety management systems, research has shown.
The study by the Health and Safety Executive examined how two SICs in the
north-west of England operated. It found small firms often wanted to make
proper health and safety arrangements but needed practical help with preparing
a policy statement and carrying out risk assessments.
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SICs, which are run by the groups affiliated with the Royal Society for the
Prevention of Accidents and provide voluntary assistance to small firms, were
successfully providing practical advice, the study found.
They also encouraged small firms to see health and safety as an integral
part of their general management, said the HSE.
