Business and investment Health and safety

Safety at work

Health and safety is about preventing people from being harmed at work or becoming ill through work. The law applies to all businesses however small.  It covers employees, full or part-time, temporary or permanent, the self-employed, young people doing work experience, apprentices, charity workers, mobile workers and homeworkers.  

Every employer has a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure, as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of his employees whilst at work and other persons who may be affected by their work activities are not exposed to risk to their health and safety. 

  • Health and safety policy - if you employ five or more people you must have a written statement of your health and safety policy, describing the organisation and arrangements you have in place for carrying out the policy
  • Employer's liability insurance - employers must take out and maintain approved insurance policies against liability for injuries or diseases to their employees caused by their work.  A copy of your current certificate must be displayed at each premises, and 
  • Health and safety information for employees - employers must give information to employees by either displaying a poster or giving a leaflet to employees.
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