Online risk management resources can be a first step in proving that businesses are serious about reducing workplace risks, according to Norwich Union Risk Services (NURS).
Online risk management resources can be a first step in proving that businesses are serious about reducing workplace risks, according to Norwich Union Risk Services (NURS).
Research conducted by NURS, part of Aviva, of over 200 businesses reveals that 97% of firms use, and refer to, online risk management resources in their operations.
John Phillips, training and consultancy manager for NURS, said: "Comprehensive and informative online content on health and safety is now providing both brokers and businesses with risk management advice at their fingers tips, either in the form of free-of-charge information or cost effective online training.
"The value UK businesses place on resources in this medium is clear. Of those businesses surveyed by NURS, as many as 86% said that risk management advice published online, whether it is case studies, features, special reports or hardfacts guides, had helped them to ensure compliance with legislation, prevent accidents or save money."
And in response to this demand, NURS has launched an online training package that covers the basics of health and safety, with modules including: The Basic Principles of Health and Safety; Accident Investigation and Reporting; and Fire Safety.
Phillips adds: "Health and safety law can be complex. For those businesses or employees that have no formal training, past experience or specialist knowledge of a subject, it may be difficult to know where to look for advice."
"Conducting accident investigation and reporting, and considering fire safety conditions is crucial to protect a firm's reputation and its employees, especially with the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter & Homicide Act 2007.
"The ability to gain basic knowledge to complete risk assessments and understand basic health and safety principles is imperative. The increasing availability of e-learning tools enables businesses to take a proactive approach to health and safety and risk management.
"Where firms have limited time and resources, on-line risk management training can be a useful way of ensuring that the basics are understood."
Further details of the content of the online training package can be found at www.nurs.co.uk/training/e_training.htm or by calling the NURS team on 0500 55 99 77.
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For further information, please contact:
Sam Bramwell at Staniforth on 0161 919 8024 / 077381 96667 or Sally Leeman at Norwich Union on 01603 684 225/ 07789 270 677.
Notes to editors:
About Norwich Union Risk Services
Norwich Union Risk Services is the specialist risk management division of Norwich Union that is dedicated to helping UK businesses manage their risks in an effective way.
They achieve this through their national team of approximately 180 staff which includes:
- Risk advisers and specialists - Who visit commercial properties across the UK to help identify risks and recommend dynamic and practical risk management solutions for Norwich Union's insured customers.
- Safety consultants - Who provide expert health, safety and environmental training and consultancy services.
Norwich Union's news releases and a selection of images are available on the Aviva internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media.