Health and safety at the office

Businesses have to be capable to manage health and safety and in doing this they must be completely aware of the risks which are evident in the workplace, be capable to manage those risks and make certain that the risks stay manageable.

It would be unreasonable to expect an employer to get rid of all risks, it can't be achieved, although what it can do is at first identify the risks and then control them sufficiently. It does this through risk assessment which every business have to carry out.

In assessing the hazards a company needs to look at each and every individual case and determine how severe the injury might be, who could be harmed and how probable that was. The hazards can be anything with the potential to cause harm. In considering the risk, it is not solely the workers that have to be in mind; casual workers, part-time staff and trainees all have to be borne in mind.

It is law that companies with five or more workers must keep a record of their risk assessment this includes the main risks identified, who's most vulnerable and what more has to be done and why. Although it is a legal requirement, firms do require a practical understanding of the primary hazards inherent in their work.

Within the legislation that companies should comply with is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 which says that firms need to make sure the safety and health of others and applies to all work activities and areas. The act states the duties the employer must fulfill in relation to safety and health, but also those duties which are held by employees, contractors and people in general.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also applies to every workplace and stresses that all of the dangers must be evaluated and modifications made if required. It also states that steps should be taken to enhance safety methods at all opportunities and that instruction should be given in such a way as to lower the potential risks of hazardous cases occurring.

Additionally, all companies need to follow the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) with the company required to report any work-related incidents, illnesses and near-miss incidents, while the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 which place a obligation on employers to make sure that the workplace is safe and suitable for the tasks that are completed there.

It is also necessary for businesses to produce a poster giving basic health and safety information that also lets other people, often visitors to the property, know who the individual accountable for safety and health is. Usually the larger the company the more information and guidance it will need with safety and health.

Together with all the action to be taken, such as risk assessments, conforming to the appropriate acts and regulations, the more effective firms will also discuss issues of safety with their personnel, letting them raise any troubles of concern. By taking a more inclusive approach to the whole problem of safety and health, bosses can help ensure that staff take the matter seriously knowing that risks are minimised as a result.

I am a accident at work claims specialist, working for an online based claims company. I write articles about this area of law which people don't normally know how to deal with and hopefully they can benefit people with my insider knowledge. If you have suffered an injury at work and are not sure if you could make a claim www.aachenconsultancy.co.uk might help you.