The May Day bank holiday has kicked off the summer season in the UK. Morris dancing, street festivals and celebrations…
A little sunshine (and sometimes a drop of alcohol) can lead to members of the public doing crazy things. Earlier this year, a German tourist visiting a Mayan Temple in Mexico’s Yucatan state, scaled the ancient site (an act which has been illegal since 2008). The tourist was chased by security guards whilst onlookers shouted for him to come down. He was later arrested and led away by the Mexican National Guard.
Whilst there aren’t any ancient Mayan temples to scale in the UK, there are plenty of ways for the public to face danger this summer. If you are a public-facing business, here are five considerations to keep people safe this summer.
1. Risk assessments
The number one thing your business needs to have in place is a risk assessment. Risk assessments are a legal requirement, but they also give you peace of mind that your business has prepared and mitigated for potential hazards.
Will your business become busier with tourists in the summer months? Ensure your risk assessment reflects this: walkways are kept clear and anything that has been dropped or spilled is swiftly cleared away to avoid any slips and trips.
In busier summer months other things to consider include whether any extra safety signage will help. Are your first aid boxes well-stocked? Be ready for heatwaves too. It is not just good customer service to have drinking water and shade available. It may form an important part of your health and safety management as well.
2. Staff training
As you’ll be aware, many in the hospitality sector will increase their staff during peak seasons to cater for the increased number of tourists. Other businesses such as visitor attractions and entertainment venues will also employ seasonal staff.
If you take on temps or seasonal workers, you may need to account for their inexperience in your risk assessment. It is also crucial to include relevant health and safety training in their induction and/or as their roles develop.
At The Health and Safety Dept we have a range of eLearning courses to help support your business. Take a look here at what we have to offer.
3. Lockdown protocol and Martyn’s Law
Sadly, terrorism and other violent threats are an ongoing risk. Understanding this and having a lockdown protocol is part of an important defence.
The National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) have published a dramatised example of a lockdown protocol for public-facing businesses, such as shopping centres, retail parks, restaurants and other public venues.
Whilst it hopefully won’t be needed, being prepared for such events makes a difference to the safety of your staff and members of the public.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as “Martyn’s Law”, received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. Through the Act, qualifying premises and events should be better prepared and protected and ready to respond in the event of a terrorist attack.
If affected, you will have at least two years to implement the new counter-terror duties. More guidance is expected to come from the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
In the meantime, if you need support with a lockdown protocol for your business, contact us today to get started.
4. Food safety
Anyone involved in the preparation, production and service of food is responsible for making sure it is safe. This also includes drinks and ice. The warm weather in summer can present additional challenges.
If your business has an obligation to meet food safety standards, then you should have a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP). We can help you create and/or ensure your FSMS is compliant with food safety law, keeping your customers safe from potential harm.
5. Car parking
Being struck by a moving vehicle is one of the leading causes of workplace injury and fatality. If you have car parking facilities for your staff, suppliers and customers, you should already have a risk assessment for this and relevant safety measures.
But what about overflow car parks? Don’t let them catch you out.
Clear signage, traffic marshals, barriers and bollards may all form part of your mitigation for this important aspect of summer health and safety.
Health & Safety is our business
At the Health & Safety Dept, we pride ourselves on being the experts you need for your workplace when it comes to keeping your staff and the public safe from harm. We offer a range of packages, or ad hoc support for businesses, to be the best fit for you. Give us a call today to get started.
