How to manage health and safety
Checklist
- Register with the local council or, if necessary, with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), and ask what help and information they can provide.
- Contact your local Business Link or trade association and the HSE to get up-to-date information on the requirements for your industry and business generally.
- Appoint one or more competent people to be responsible for health and safety; make sure they receive appropriate training.
- Decide how you will involve and consult employees; consider appointing a safety committee.
- Carry out a health-and-safety risk assessment.
- Carry out a fire-risk assessment; contact the fire safety officer to check what is required and whether you need a fire certificate.
- Plan how you will cope with accidents. You will need first-aid kits, an accident book and a system for reporting serious injuries, diseases and incidents.
- Ensure physical conditions (such as lighting and ventilation) and work practices (rest breaks, for instance) promote employee welfare and health.
- Review how you meet the health, safety and welfare needs of special cases - such as the disabled, pregnant women and young people.
- Provide training for all employees, taking into account any particular risks they may face; include health and safety responsibilities in their contracts.
- Give employees information on risks and preventive measures; get posters or leaflets from the HSE and use signage where necessary.
- Prepare a written health and safety policy covering your approach to health and safety, who is responsible, and what your procedures are.
- Communicate your policy to all employees and anyone else that could be affected (eg customers, visitors, freelance staff).
- Monitor the effectiveness of health and safety procedures and training.
- Check you have the required employers' liability insurance; consider whether you need public liability or other insurances.
Cardinal rules
Do:
- take advantage of help and advice
- assess the risks
- plan for emergencies such as fire and accidents
- make arrangements for employee welfare
- involve, train and inform employees
- prepare a written policy
Don't:
- delegate responsibility to an unsuitable employee
- assume that procedures are being followed without monitoring
Contact
- Health & Safety Executive
- Your local fire brigade fire-safety officer (not 999). See Yellow Pages
