Business owners and employers are legally responsible for their workers’ health, safety, and welfare, also any visitors to their premises, such as customers, suppliers, and the general public. In addition to these duties, there are also regulations to deal with particular hazards and also specific regulatory demands for industries where hazards are high.
The Health & Safety at Work Etc Act 1974 states: employers have a legal duty “to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare at work of employees.”
Although employers are mainly responsible, it is the duty of everyone to take care of their own health and safety and others who may be affected by their workplace actions.
Wherever you work, health and safety should be a part of your business strategy, with management and staff playing their part, and more focus on risk management.
Employers Responsibilities
If you run or manage any business, you need to ensure employees, and anyone who visits your premises, are protected from anything that may cause harm, and control any risks to health or injury that could occur in the workplace.
Employers’ main responsibilities are:
- Display a Health and Safety Law Poster – which is a legal requirement;
- Give employees information about health and safety issues in the workplace and how they are protected;
- Create a Health and Safety Policy to include a ‘Statement of Intent’, ‘Organisational Roles & Responsibilities’ and ‘Arrangements’;
- Carry out Risk Assessments in the workplace to determine the procedures in place are adequate and sufficient to protect people;
- Implement Safety Procedures (Procedures or Method Statements) to provide instructions on how to carry out each task safely;
- Identify who needs protecting from hazards, including members of staff, contractors, part-time workers, and people with specific requirements;
- Have Competent Employees – provide the necessary Information, Instruction & Training to deem them competent to carry out each task;
- Provide a First Aid kit and First Aiders who have received practical training.
If you employ 5 or more employees then legally you need to document your health and safety systems, including the majority of the above.
Employees Responsibilities
Employees have a legal requirement to help the workplace remain safe, with the responsibility to take care of their own health and safety and that of others. If employees follow safety instructions, they can help maintain a safe working environment and ensure the business fulfills its compliance and legal duties.
Employees main responsibilities are:
- Comply with safety procedures, including anything put in place to protect their safety such as wearing PPE, utilising equipment as stipulated, and checking equipment before use;
- Understand the risks associated with their job role and carry out work safely to minimise any risks;
- Follow health and safety training and work in a way that does not create hazards or increased risks to themselves or others;
- Report any failings in safety procedures or equipment to their supervisor’s immediately;
- Be proactive and help keep hazards at a minimum, e.g., keeping walkways clear of obstructions and maintaining good housekeeping.
Assist Health & Safety Service is here to support your business with all the assistance you need to ensure your staff, business, and visitors remain safe and compliant at all times.
I am a Chartered Member of IOSH, please contact me for a free no-obligation discussion.
