How to manage health and safety

Checklist

1. 1 Register with the local council or, if necessary, with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), and ask what help and information they can provide.
2. 2 Contact your local business support organisation or the HSE to get up-to-date information on the requirements for your industry and business generally.
3. 3 Appoint one or more competent people to be responsible for health and safety; make sure they receive appropriate training.
4. 4 Decide how you will involve and consult employees; consider appointing a safety committee.
5. 5 Carry out a health-and-safety risk assessment.
6. 6 Carry out a fire-risk assessment; contact the fire safety officer to check what is required and whether you need a fire certificate.
7. 7 Plan how you will cope with accidents. You will need first-aid kits, an accident book and a system for reporting serious injuries, diseases and incidents.
8. 8 Ensure physical conditions (such as lighting and ventilation) and work practices (rest breaks, for instance) promote employee welfare and health.
9. 9 Review how you meet the health, safety and welfare needs of special cases - such as the disabled, pregnant women and young people.
10. 10 Provide training for all employees, taking into account any particular risks they may face; include health and safety responsibilities in their contracts.
11. 11 Give employees information on risks and preventive measures; get posters or leaflets from the HSE and use signage where necessary.
12. 12 Prepare a written health and safety policy covering your approach to health and safety, who is responsible, and what your procedures are.
13. 13 Communicate your policy to all employees and anyone else that could be affected (eg customers, visitors, freelance staff).
14. 14 Monitor the effectiveness of health and safety procedures and training.
15. 15 Check you have the required employers' liability insurance; consider whether you need public liability or other insurances.

Cardinal rules

Contact

• Health & Safety Executive
• Your local fire brigade fire-safety officer (not 999). See Yellow Pages