Health & Safety Frequently Asked Questions
General Health & Safety
Who is responsible for health and safety at work?
As the employer, you have the main responsibility. However, your employees also have a duty to look after their own safety and the safety of others.
What are the consequences of not following health and safety laws?
You could face serious penalties, including unlimited fines or even prison. Non-compliance can also damage your reputation and increase your insurance costs.
Do I need a written health and safety policy?
Yes, if you have five or more employees, you are legally required to have a written health and safety policy. It’s also good practice for smaller businesses.
What is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974?
This is the main law for health and safety in the UK. It sets out the general duties that employers, employees and others have, to keep the workplace safe.
Reporting Accidents
Do I need to have an accident book?
Yes, if you are an employer, it is a legal requirement to keep an accident book. It’s also a good way to track incidents and spot trends.
When do I have to report an accident?
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) sets out specific rules for when you must report work-related accidents, diseases, and dangerous incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Do I have to report ‘near misses’ to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)?
While not always required by law, it is very good practice to record and investigate near misses. This can help you prevent a serious accident from happening later. However, a ‘Dangerous Occurrence’, as specified by the HSE, does need reporting.
Risk Assessments
Do I need to do a risk assessment?
Yes, it’s a legal requirement to assess the risks in your workplace. This means identifying what could cause harm and deciding what precautions you need to take.
What’s the difference between a ‘hazard’ and a ‘risk’?
A hazard is anything that could cause harm (e.g., a wet floor, or an electric power tool). A risk is the chance that someone could be harmed by that hazard, and how severe the harm could be.
Do I need to write down my risk assessments?
If you have five or more employees, you must record the key findings of your risk assessments.
Specific Topics
How many first aiders do I need?
The number of first aiders you need depends on the size of your organisation, the type of work you do, and the risks involved. You must carry out a first aid needs assessment to work out what is “adequate and appropriate.”
Is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) compulsory?
There is no law that says you must do PAT testing at a set time. However, you do have a legal duty to make sure all electrical equipment is maintained and safe to use. PAT testing is one way of helping you meet this duty.
What are the minimum/maximum workplace temperatures?
The law states that the temperature in a workplace should be “reasonable.” It suggests a minimum of 16°C, or 13°C if the work is physically demanding. There is no set maximum temperature, but employers should take steps to ensure a reasonably comfortable temperature.