Workplace Health and Safety FAQs

It is a legal requirement for organisations with 5 or more people to have written risk assessments and a health and safety policy. Even if you have less than that number of employees it’s a good idea to have your arrangements written down so that you can train employees and reference back in the future or in the event of an accident or incident.

The responsibility of enforcing health and safety laws is shared between the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities. Fire Safety is enforced by the local fire and rescue services.

A breach in regulation compliance could result in include fines and in some cases imprisonment.

Health and safety inspectors can visit your workplace at any time. For routine inspections they are more likely to schedule it in beforehand.

It is a legal requirement for companies with 5 or more employees to have a health and safety policy. Health and safety policies should include a statement of intent, a list of who is responsible for what and information about how issues will be managed.

The HSE Health and Safety Law Poster should be shown in a visible place in the workplace, or circulated to all employees if required.

Other safety documents you may want to display includes:

• Fire safety signage
• Employers’ Liability Certificate
• No Smoking signage

A hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm, such as an uneven or damaged walkway, hazardous substances or working at height. Risk is described as the probability or likelihood that a hazardous event will occur and includes the likely consequences that might result. All workplace hazards should be identified and assessed through a risk assessment process to determine the likelihood of a hazardous event happening, and the consequences that might result.

Common workplace hazards depending on the sector industry include:

• Safety hazards – including trailing power cables, unguarded machinery and frayed or faulty electrical wires.
• Ergonomic hazards – including manual handling, use of display screen equipment and vibration.
• Slips, trips and falls on the same level
• Work at height
• Lone working
• Stress and mental health
• Chemical and hazardous substances
• Fire
• Driving
• Noise

Full-time employees are entitled to 28 days paid annual leave a year. This is the equivalent of 5.6 weeks of holiday. Part-time workers will get the equivalent holiday based on the hours they work.

Unfortunately, most health and safety training does not have a defined refresher time period. Almost all legislation leaves the decisions for refresher training to the employer. The general approach is that refresher training is undertaken every three years.

It is common for organisations to schedule key health and safety refresher training annually, such as fire safety and manual handling training.

Responsibility for workplace health and safety is shared.

Employers must provide a safe environment, conduct risk assessments, and offer training. Employees must follow safety policies and report hazards. Self-employed individuals must ensure their activities are safe, and contractors or visitors must adhere to site guidelines.

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers are legally required to:

1. Provide a safe workplace. Ensure the environment, equipment, and systems are safe and free from risks.
2. Conduct risk assessments. Identify and minimise workplace hazards as per the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
3. Offer training and information. Provide employees with adequate health and safety training and information about risks.
4. Provide safety equipment. Supply and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) in line with the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022.
5. Report incidents. Record and report workplace accidents, diseases, and dangerous occurrences under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013).
6. Consult employees. Engage with employees or safety representatives about health and safety matters.

Yes, workers can be prosecuted for breaking health and safety laws under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Employees must take reasonable care for safety, follow procedures, and not misuse safety equipment.

Health and safety protects the wellbeing of employees, prevents workplace injuries and illnesses, and ensures a safe environment for everyone.

A strong health and safety culture reduces risks, improves productivity, and enhances employee morale by showing that their welfare is valued. It also helps organisations comply with legal obligations, avoid costly incidents, and maintain a positive reputation.

In the end, prioritising health and safety creates a secure and efficient workplace where people can thrive.

Health and safety refers to the policies, procedures, and practices designed to protect people’s physical and mental wellbeing. The goal is to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses, fostering a safe and supportive environment for all.

Health and safety is about identifying and mitigating risks, ensuring safe working conditions, providing necessary training and equipment, and complying with legal regulations.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 was introduced to establish a comprehensive legal framework ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of employees and others affected by workplace activities.

The Act has significantly reduced workplace accidents and fatalities. For instance, fatal injuries to employees have decreased by approximately 90% since 1974, with 81 employee deaths reported in 2021/2022.

The main health and safety laws in the UK are:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The primary legislation stating general duties for employers, employees, and others to ensure workplace safety.
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Requires employers to conduct risk assessments, implement control measures, and provide training.
• Work at Height Regulations 2005. Sets out specific requirements for tasks performed at height to prevent falls.
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. Focuses on reducing risks associated with manual handling tasks.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992. Mandates the provision and use of appropriate PPE.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. Requires the assessment and control of risks from hazardous substances.
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). Ensures work equipment is safe to use and maintained properly.
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). Requires employers to report certain workplace incidents.
• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Governs fire safety in non-domestic premises.