Building Safety from Day One: What New Businesses Need to Know
For new small businesses, a recent study from the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) highlights a critical gap in health and safety support.
Research shows that employees at small businesses are at higher risk for injury than those at larger organizations, yet few programs exist to help them establish effective health and safety practices. The study suggests the most effective approach is to introduce safety early, combining education and training with practical, accessible tools.
The Reality for Our Sectors
Running a business in the Community Service and Hospitality sectors means balancing competing priorities—staffing, daily operations, customer service, and financial pressures. As a result, health and safety programs are frequently delayed until after an incident occurs or a regulatory order is issued.
Embed safety into your business from day one and:
- reduce injuries
- boost employee retention
- build a foundation for long-term operational success
At Service Hospitality, we help you take those first steps with practical training and industry-specific resources. Whether you are opening a brand-new venue or strengthening an existing program, we are here to help you build a safer workplace from the ground up.
Available Member Supports
- Safety Evaluations: Practical assessments to evaluate your strengths and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Claims Consulting: Expert guidance to navigate complex injury claims.
- Mental Health Best Practice Group: A collaborative space to support building psychologically safe workplaces.
Targeted Training for Small Businesses & Start-Ups
We offer foundational courses designed to give you exactly what you need to know before the doors even open:
- Hazard Assessment and Controls: Learn how to spot workplace hazards, prioritize risks, and implement reasonable controls.
- Safety Orientation & Training Essentials: Discover what to include in a new-hire orientation and how to deliver it effectively.
- Workplace Inspections: Master the best practices for planning, executing, and documenting regular safety walk-throughs.
- Incident Reporting & Investigations: Learn a simple 4-step process to find the root cause of an incident and prevent it from happening again.
- Emergency Response Planning: Understand legislated requirements and learn how to map out a clear plan for unexpected site emergencies.
- Claims Management: Build a proactive modified-work process to support injured workers and mitigate organizational costs.
- Leadership and Safety: Explore the legal accountabilities of managers and supervisors and learn how to drive a strong safety culture.
- Psychological Health and Safety: Understand the 13 psychosocial risk factors and how to promote a mentally healthy work environment.
Ready to Get Started?
Health and safety doesn’t have to be built all at once. The important thing is just getting started.
If you’re unsure where to begin, Service Hospitality can help you identify your immediate priorities and create a safety program that grows alongside your business.
