Business owners are legally required to enforce all the applicable Health & Safety standards in the workplace they manage. UK health and safety legislation applies to all businesses, irrespective of their size, number of employees, and type of employment offered (full and part-time).
Under UK law, all employers have a duty of care both towards their staff and their customers, as well as towards any members of the public, suppliers, or visitors that may be in the business premises.
UK's Health and Safety Executive
General Information about Health and Safety at Work
Health and Safety information for managers
Introduction to Occupational Health by ROSPA
Health & Safety in the Workplace - Checklist
The checklist you will find below has been created with the objective to inform UK business owners about their legal duties.
- Employees are provided with training and information (preferably in writing in the form of an in-house policy) covering health and safety essentials
- A knowledgeable employee is appointed as a health and safety representative to assist management and colleagues
- Risks assessment procedures are carried out every time new equipment, working practices, or substances are introduced into the workplace
- The outcome of each risk assessment is recorded in writing in workplaces with 5+ employees. Measures to be taken must also be recorded
- Electrical equipment is periodically inspected and tested
- Emergency procedures are clearly defined and staff are aware of them
- Adequate first-aid facilities and equipment are available at all times
- An appointed person is available to deliver first-care onsite
- Warnings and safety signs are clearly visible
- Storage facilities are at acceptable height / Ladders are available and guidelines on how to use them are in place
- Adequate measures are taken to prevent stress and absenteeism
- Staff understand and follow manual handling guidelines
- Areas used by visitors and staff (including corridors and stairwells) are clear of obstructions at all times
- Fire doors and firefighting equipment are labelled, inspected, and regularly maintained
- Food and drinks preparation methods comply with current hygiene standards
- Noise and temperature are kept within adequate levels
- Accidents and incidents are reported and recorded
Please note that this is not an exhaustive checklist. For comprehensive information, please use the links provided below:
Health and Safety Toolbox
Guide to Health and Safety Risk Assessments
Health and Safety for Small Businesses
COSHH (Hazardous Substances) Essentials
Maintaining Electrical Equipment
Food & Drink Preparation guidelines
Working at Height
Noise at Work
Workplace Temperatures
Work-Related Stress
Legal Framework and Legislation
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 governs health and safety procedures in the UK. The Act appoints the H&S Executive a regulatory body with law enforcement powers. Parts of the act may be modified, but business owners are responsible for staying informed of any changes made to occupational health and safety law. Business owners must also be aware that different business sectors are subject to industry-specific guidelines and regulations.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (full text)
Health and Safety Guidance by Industry
Health and Safety Legislation News