Getting started on health and safety
Health and safety is about preventing people from being harmed by work or becoming ill through work. This is so important that the law says we must not put ourselves, other workers or the public in danger.
Health and safety law applies to all businesses however small. It covers employees, full - or part-time, temporary or permanent ; the self-employed; young people doing work experience; apprentices; charity workers; mobile workers and homeworkers. If you hire temps or casuals from agencies you have responsibilities too.
For a brief guide to health and safety law look at our free leaflet.
Controlling danger at work is no different from any other task – you need to recognise problems, know enough about them, decide what to do and act on the solutions. So you will be managing health and safety. Find 10 key things in What you must do.
It’s not just highly unusual or exceptional circumstances that cause accidents or ill health. Some basic thinking and acting beforehand could usually prevent them. Find out how to deal with particular hazards or problems in your workplace from Topics.
Health and safety doesn’t have to be expensive, time consuming or complicated. To find a free basic guide for small businesses, including two ready-made self-assessment forms for a risk assessment and a health and safety policy, look at An introduction to health and safety.
You can also buy a ready made, comprehensive, low cost, health and safety starter pack of the most essential HSE publications
Talking leaflets
These files are provided in mp3 format,
INDG173 Officewise
Health & safety law: What you should know
INDG226 Homeworking
INDG163 Five steps to risk assessment
INDG225 Preventing slips and trips at work
To find comprehensive information and advice on other aspects of running your business look at businesslink.gov.uk
Your frequently asked questions
Usefull weblinks
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/
http://ww.hse.gov.uk/smallbusinesses/pack.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/workplacehealth/index.htm
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