Health & Safety

Health & Safety legislation requires all businesses to have:
(i) A Health and Safety Policy which is communicated and reviewed regularly
(ii) Risk Assessments which are reviewed as necessary and recorded where there are 5 or more employees
(iii) A written employee induction Training program, with training records maintained
Furthermore, employers are required to appoint a Competent Person, or people, to help meet their health and safety legal duties

Health & Safety legislation requires adequate maintenance and Statutory Inspections, for example:
(i) Lifting Operations And Lifting Equipment Regulation (LOLER Inspections)
(ii) Pressure System Safety Regulations (PSSR Systems Testing)
(iii) Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER Work Equipment & Power Presses)
(iv) Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH Ventilation Plant)

The Electricity At Work Regulations outline electrical safety requirements.
Satisfactory inspection certificates provide documented proof of:
(i) Fixed Wiring Safety (Electrical Installation Condition Report : EICR)
(ii) Portable Appliance Safety (Portable Appliance Testing : PAT)

The Regulatory Fire Safety Reforms outline fire safety requirements.
These include:
(i) Fire Risk Assessments, to identify, manage and reduce the risk of fire
(ii) Adequately maintained fire extinguishers
(iii) Adequately maintained fire alarms and/or fire fighting equipment (where installed/provided)

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR)
DSEAR requires employers:
(i) to assess the risk of fires and explosions arising from work activities involving dangerous substances and
(ii) to eliminate or reduce these risks

The Control of Asbestos Regulations
The regulations require:
(i) Commercial properties built before 2000 to have an Asbestos Survey
(ii) Any located Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) need be managed and reviewed on an annual basis

Gas Safety Regulations
The regulations require:
(i) gas appliances, and
(ii) pipework
to be checked and maintained annually

The above only touches on a few of areas of Health and Safety law. Further details of legislation applicable to businesses and property owners may be found on the HSE website and at www.gov.uk/guidance/business-regulation-guidance-and-tools

We would also recommend signing up to the HSE email briefings: Subscribe to HSE eBulletins here for free HSE updates.

If you require further assistance, PIB Risk Management’s Health & Safety consultancy services may be of interest. PIB Risk Management can assist with:

– A Health & Safety Audit and Action Plan
As a starting point

– A Fire Risk Assessment
As a written fire risk assessment is a legal requirement

– Reviewing and Updating Your Documents
Assisting you with the compilation of health & safety documentation required to ensure compliance

– Acting as Your Competent Person
Taking a more proactive role, in reviewing and updating your health and safety documentation. This will include risk assessments and safety systems of work (SSWs) with input from relevant personnel in your business.

Insurance2day policyholder’s are entitled to a 20% discount off PIB Risk Management’s standard prices.

If you would like to discuss and review further, please contact us on 01384 442 165 to discuss your requirements, or click the button below.