As an employer, you are legally required to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of your employees – and anybody else affected by your work activities. UK law says you must do this ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’. In simple terms, you need to take sensible steps to prevent harm.
This includes:
Carrying out risk assessments and acting on the findings
Providing the right training, information, instruction and supervision
Consulting with employees on health and safety matters
Maintaining a safe workplace, equipment, and systems of work
Managing hazardous substances safely
Ensuring suitable welfare facilities such as washrooms, lighting, and ventilation
Having a written Health & Safety Policy if you employ five or more people
Directors and senior managers can be held personally accountable if things go wrong – so strong health and safety leadership is essential.
