Health and safety responsibilities

Employers in the UK must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. This includes providing safe systems of work, maintaining the workplace and equipment, providing training and information, and conducting risk assessments.

'Reasonably practicable' implies that the risk of a particular action or inaction must be weighed against the time, effort, and cost involved in taking measures to control the risk.

Employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They should also cooperate with their employer in health and safety matters and not misuse or interfere with equipment provided for safety.

A workplace risk assessment should identify potential hazards, evaluate the risks associated with these hazards, determine who might be harmed and how, implement control measures to manage the risks, and review the assessment regularly to ensure its effectiveness.

Both employers and employees have responsibilities. Employers must provide a safe working environment, while employees must adhere to safety protocols and report potential hazards.

Yes, employers must provide adequate health and safety training to ensure employees understand how to perform their work safely and know the risks associated with their job.

A Health and Safety Policy outlines an organisation’s approach to managing health and safety. UK law requires that any business with five or more employees must have a written Health and Safety Policy.

Health and safety audits should be conducted at least annually, but the frequency can vary depending on the nature of the workplace and the associated risks.

The employee should report the hazard to their line manager or health and safety representative immediately. It is important for the issue to be recorded and addressed promptly to prevent accidents.

Non-compliance can lead to legal action, substantial fines, and even imprisonment for severe breaches. Additionally, it can result in workplace injuries, decreased employee morale, and reputational damage.

Yes, employers are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of remote or home workers. This includes conducting risk assessments of the remote workspace and providing guidance on safe working practices.

Health and safety representatives consult with the employer on health and safety issues, investigate complaints, carry out inspections, and represent employees in discussions about health and safety matters.

A safety committee facilitates cooperation between employers and employees in developing and implementing health and safety measures. It discusses any health and safety concerns and works towards continuous improvement of workplace safety.

Yes, certain industries such as construction, healthcare, and manufacturing have specific regulations governing their operations to address the unique risks associated with these sectors.

All accidents and incidents should be reported to the designated health and safety officer or manager. Serious incidents might also need to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations).