10 ways small business directors break safety laws

What every responsible person should know – before the HSE comes knocking.

Most small business directors don’t ignore safety – they just assume it’s being handled. Someone’s doing inductions. The team has done training. The policy’s been written. Job done, right?

Not quite.

If you’re the director, owner, or “responsible person”, the law says you’re on the hook. Even if someone else handles the training. Even if you’re not on-site.

Here are 10 ways people in your position accidentally fall short – and how to fix them.

1. No Evidence of Training Completion

   Verbal briefings or paper forms don’t count if you can’t prove who did what, and when.

   Fix: Lexicon tracks every video and every person.

2. Inconsistent Inductions

   If three different people run inductions, you’ll get three different messages.

   Fix: Lexicon delivers consistent video content every time.

3. Relying on Outdated Slides

   “Site rules 2020” doesn’t cut it in 2025.

   Fix: Lexicon is kept current with HSE guidance.

4. No Records for Hybrid or Remote Workers

   Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of compliance.

   Fix: Lexicon playlists can be accessed remotely by anyone.

5. No Follow-Up on High-Risk Topics

   Manual handling, working at height, vehicle movement – all high risk, often under-trained.

   Fix: Set recurring training on key risks in Lexicon.

6. Missing the Contractors

   Short-term staff, delivery drivers, and visitors are often overlooked.

   Fix: Share a simple Lexicon training link – no login required.

7. Lack of Role-Specific Training

   Generic content isn’t enough anymore.

   Fix: Tailor Lexicon training by role or risk profile.

8. Briefings That Don’t Stick

   Talking at people isn’t the same as training them.

   Fix: Use Lexicon videos with built-in engagement tools.

9. Over-Reliance on “The Safety Guy”

   If one person holds all the knowledge – you’re exposed.

   Fix: Lexicon runs with or without your lead trainer.

10. No Audit Trail

    When something goes wrong, “we meant to” won’t help.

    Fix: Lexicon creates a time-stamped digital record.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to be a safety expert.

But if you’re in charge – you are responsible.

Lexicon helps you meet your duty of care without the stress, the slide decks, or the paper chase.

Because staying compliant shouldn’t feel like a full-time job.

If you would like to find out more, please fill in the form below and one of our team will make contact.