INTRODUCTION
If you have recently started your business you may benefit from having an overview of the main legal requirements relating to health and safety. Further details on all of these can be found within this Manual/Information System.
MAIN DUTIES
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 the main duties of employers are to:
1. Provide equipment and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health.
2. Ensure the safe handling, storage, transport and use of articles and substances.
3. Provide adequate information, instruction, training and supervision.
4. Maintain the Workplace in a safe condition, including means of access and egress.
5. Provide a work environment that is safe and provide adequate welfare facilities.
6. Ensure non-employees are not put at risk.
Employees must:
1. Take reasonable care of themselves and others who could be affected by their actions.
2. Co-operate with their employer on matters of health and safety.
Self-employed persons have duties to:
1. Ensure their own health and safety.
2. Ensure the safety of non-employees who may be put at risk.
The duties above are qualified by the phrase 'so far as is reasonably practicable'. This means that the cost and effort of doing something should be balanced against the risk. The greater the risk posed by a work activity, the greater the control measures will need to be. This process of risk assessment and control is fundamental to effective health and safety performance.
MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY
The proper and effective management of health and safety will reduce the risk of accidents and occupational ill health.
Good safety management will involve:
Planning
Organising
Controlling
Monitoring
Reviewing
Health and Safety policy statements are required for employers who employ five or more people. They should include a general statement of policy, a definition of the organisational responsibilities of directors, managers and employees, and details of the arrangements for securing a safe and healthy workplace. Training should also be carried out whenever necessary and may range from general induction training to more specific/complex matters. A simple, initial training checklist may include the following:
1 Company safety set up/reporting structure
2 Fire and evacuation procedures
3 First aid provision and location
4 Safety Procedures - equipment/machines
- processes
- activities
- hazardous locations
5 General safety rules, housekeeping etc.
6 Accident/Ill Health/Defect Reporting
Use of personal protective equipment/safety equipment.
NB This list should not be seen as exhaustive/definitive.
Risk Assessment: This is required for all your work activities and involves:
· identifying hazards
· evaluating risks
· implementing and maintaining control measures
· recording the findings of the risk assessment (if you employ five or more persons)
· monitoring and reviewing the assessments.
Competent Person(s)
A competent person(s) must be appointed to help carry out your health and safety responsibilities. They should possess the necessary training, experience, knowledge or other appropriate qualities.
SAFETY ISSUES
1. Fire Safety
- Fire Risk Assessments?
- What fire precautions are required?
2. First Aid
- Need to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and personnel and to inform employees of your arrangements.
3. Accident/Ill Health Recording and Reporting
- Do all staff know what to do?
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