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. Arrange contacts - through your local Business Link or trade association - to keep you up to date with the requirements for your industry and business generally.

3. Appoint one or more competent people to be responsible for health and safety; make sure they receive appropriate training.

4. Decide how you will involve and consult employees; consider appointing a safety committee.

5. Carry out a health and safety risk assessment.

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. Plan how you will cope with accidents, including first-aid kits, an accident book and a system for reporting serious injuries, diseases and incidents.

8. Ensure physical conditions (such as lighting and ventilation) and work practices (rest breaks, for
instance) promote employee welfare and health.

9. Review how you meet the health, safety and welfare needs of special cases - such as the disabled, pregnant women and young people.

10. Provide training for all employees, taking into account any particular risks they may face; include health and safety responsibilities in their contracts.

11. Give employees information on risks and preventive measures; get posters or leaflets from the HSE and use signage where necessary.

12. Prepare a written health and safety policy covering your approach to health and safety, who is responsible, and what your procedures are.

13. Monitor the effectiveness of health and safety procedures and training.

14. Check you have the required employers’ liability insurance; consider whether you need public liability or other insurances.

---

Do's & Don'ts

Do:

Take advantage of help and advice.

Assess the risks.

Plan for emergencies such as fire and accidents.

Make arrangements for employee welfare.

Involve, train and inform employees.

Prepare a written policy.

Don’t:

Delegate responsibility to an unsuitable employee.

Assume that procedures are being followed without monitoring.

---

Click here to return to the Checklists

Information supplied by Business Insight Central Library, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham. B3 3HQ Tel: 0121 303 4531 Email: business.library@birmingham.gov.uk www. birmingham.gov.uk/businessinsight www.bestforbusiness.com

Alternatively, click here for our Know How Guides.

Golden Entrepreneurs: Disclaimer Notice GoldenEntrepreneurs.com does not have any responsibility for, or be liable in respect of the content or accuracy of the information so provided, or for any errors or omissions therein.

The Information provided is generic and is researched using a variety of sources. Major sources are acknowledged.