Introduction

Small businesses play a huge role in the Irish economy:

• They account for 98.6% of businesses (0-49 employees).
• Small businesses employ 987,697 people.
• 92.4% of businesses are micro businesses with 0-9 employees.

^{Source: CSO 2021}

Small business owners and managers face many unique challenges. One common challenge they share with larger companies is the responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace.

The legal duty to provide a safe and healthy workplace applies to all businesses, from self-employed individuals and small businesses to large multi-national companies.

This section of the website provides practical information and guidance on managing health and safety in small businesses.

You will also be introduced to two of our platforms that will help you manage health and safety effectively in your workplace.

1. BeSMART.ie our free online tool that helps small businesses carry out risk
2. hsalearning.ie our educational platform that offers over 50 free online health and safety awareness courses