The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a ‘ten point plan’ for businesses for protecting the health and safety of workers and others. The key recommended actions are:
- Register a new business with the appropriate authority (HSE or your local authority);
- Take out employers’ liability insurance and display the certificate as required by law;
- Make sure you have someone competent to help you comply with health and safety regulations;
- Decide on your health and safety policy (how you will manage health and safety issues);
- Carry out an assessment of risks (potential dangers and appropriate precautions to take) and act on the findings;
- Provide basic welfare facilities, such as washing and toilet facilities;
- Provide appropriate health and safety training for employees;
- Consult with workers on health and safety matters;
- Display the required health and safety law poster or give workers a leaflet containing the information; and
- Report as required any work-related accidents, diseases or dangerous incidents.
For full details of the ten point plan, see http://www.hse.gov.uk/business/must-do.htm.