There are several health and safety basics that every workplace should have in place to maintain a safe and compliant environment.
No matter what sector your business operates in, from offices and retail to construction and care, every workplace in the UK has a legal and moral duty to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees, visitors, and anyone affected by its operations.
A solid foundation for workplace safety starts with clear and up-to-date policies and procedures.
Every employer with five or more employees must have a written health and safety policy outlining the organisation’s commitment, responsibilities, and arrangements for managing health and safety.
Risk assessments help identify potential hazards and put suitable controls in place. These should be reviewed annually, or whenever there’s a change in work processes, equipment, or legislation.
Procedures for fire, first aid, and other emergencies should be clearly documented, well-communicated, and practiced regularly through drills.
Maintain an accident and incident log to record and investigate workplace incidents. This not only helps prevent recurrences but also ensures compliance with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).
A safe working environment plays a huge role in preventing accidents and promoting wellbeing.
Work areas should be kept clean, tidy, and free from obstructions. Regular maintenance helps avoid hazards such as slips, trips, and falls.
Provide adequate toilet and washing facilities, access to drinking water, rest areas, and (where necessary) changing rooms, all of which are required under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
Workplaces must have sufficient ventilation and lighting, and maintain a reasonable temperature to ensure comfort and productivity.
All machinery and tools must be properly maintained, tested, and used according to manufacturer instructions. Faulty equipment should be reported immediately and taken out of use until repaired or a replacement is arranged.
Even the best safety procedures won’t be effective without informed and competent people implementing them.
Employees should receive suitable health and safety training relevant to their roles. This might include manual handling, fire safety, or sector-specific training.
Make sure workers are aware of risks in their work area and understand how to control them. Supervisors should lead by example and ensure safety standards are followed.
Where risks can’t be fully eliminated, suitable PPE such as gloves, eye protection, and high-vis clothing must be provided and used correctly.
Ensure trained first aiders and adequate first aid supplies are available at all times. Promoting wellbeing, including mental health support, also plays a vital role in overall workplace safety.
Good health and safety isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about building a culture where everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. Encouraging open communication, regular feedback, and visible management commitment helps embed safety into daily routines.
By getting these basics right, organisations not only meet their legal duties but also create safer, happier, and more productive workplaces.
Here at HPC, we have experienced and knowledgeable consultants who can help and support you with implementing health and safety management systems, including creating policies, risk assessments and delivering training.
We offer a free health check where we carry out a mini audit of your current procedures and documentation and recommend areas for improvement.
To find out more information or to book a free health check, please get in contact with our team of experts.
T: 0330 107 1037
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