A new programme of health and safety reforms could save small businesses £300 million a year, a new report claims.
The document, published by the Better Regulation Executive, reveals that the average small firm spends around 20 hours a year on administration relating to health and safety requirements.
If this time could be cut by just five hours then "low-risk" businesses could save a total of £150 million a year, the report claims.
Among the proposals made by the body are improved web and telephone-based support for firms and better advice to help SMEs know when they should call in a consultant.
John Hutton, secretary of state for business, said: "Introducing simple steps, such as making information more easily available and getting better advice to firms that need it, will help save time and money for UK business."
Cutting paperwork and making complex regulations easier to understand will also help create safer working environments, he added.
Meanwhile, the government has proposed a system of regulatory budgets, which it claims will help reduce red tape.
