By law, any person, or business that employs five or more people must have a written Health and Safety Policy.

Failure to comply with Health and Safety Law can have serious consequences for businesses and individuals and could result in fines, imprisonment, and disqualification.

A ‘Hazard’ is something that has the potential to cause harm.

A ‘Risk’ is the chance or the likelihood of harm occurring.

• fractures, other than to fingers, thumbs and toes
• amputations
• any injury likely to lead to permanent loss of sight or reduction in sight
• any crush injury to the head or torso causing damage to the brain or internal organs
• serious burns (including scalding) which:
• covers more than 10% of the body
• causes significant damage to the eyes, respiratory system or other vital organs
• any scalping requiring hospital treatment
• any loss of consciousness caused by head injury or asphyxia
• any other injury arising from working in an enclosed space which:
• leads to hypothermia or heat-induced illness
• requires resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours

• Accidents must be reported where they result in an employee or self-employed person being away from work, or unable to perform their normal work duties, for more than seven consecutive days as the result of their injury.

• carpal tunnel syndrome;
• severe cramp of the hand or forearm;
• occupational dermatitis;
• hand-arm vibration syndrome;
• occupational asthma;
• tendonitis or tenosynovitis of the hand or forearm;
• any occupational cancer;
• any disease attributed to an occupational exposure to a biological agent.

People must have access to toilets and washing facilities.  These may be provided by a main contractor on a site, by the client, or other means.

Where your assessment of first-aid needs identifies that a trained first aider is not required you should appoint someone to take charge of first aid arrangements.  Where your assessment of first-aid needs identifies that a trained first aider is required you should seek first aid training from a competent training provider for the number of staff required. Emergency action may need to be planned, for instance where work is undertaken in a remote area. It is good practice to have first aid kits immediately available.

• An employer
• The owner
• The landlord
• An occupier
• Anyone else with control of the premises, such as a facilities manager, building manager, managing agent or risk assessor.

• Carry out a fire risk assessment of the premises and review it regularly (A competent person should be appointed to complete this).
• Tell staff or their representatives about the risks identified.
• Put in place, and maintain, appropriate fire safety measures (Competent contractors should be appointed to maintain, service and install any fire safety measures).
• Plan for an emergency.
• Provide staff information, fire safety instruction and training. (This would include Fire Awareness and Warden Training).

• Lifting or putting down
• Pulling or pushing
• Carrying or transporting
• supporting, or moving an object, person, or animal.

Manufacturers are required by law to label substances they supply according to the harm they can do.  They also must also provide information on how to use a substance safely.

PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. It also includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE). PPE is used as a last resort, only when safe systems of work and physical safeguards cannot be extended.

PPE should be provided free of charge.

All employers have a duty to ensure that their employees are competent to do the work they carry out. Training is essential, particularly if changes are made to working methods, new machinery is introduced, or new substances are used. You should also think about any legal requirements for specific training needs. A risk assessment will identify any training needs associated with specific risks.

They are a legal requirement under the Health & Safety Regulations 1992 for anyone that uses DSE for one hour or more each day. As an employer, you must protect your employees from health risks associated with DSE.

DSE assessments should be carried out for new starters in the workplace, when a workstation has changed in any way or the employee moves desks or location, when working from home, if the employee is a mobile worker or if any employee complains of any musculoskeletal or visual problems from working with DSE.

The ‘Employer’ is responsible for ensuring electrical safety maintenance.