How can I be prosecuted for not knowing about Health & Safety Law?
Ignorance is no defence, as in most criminal law.
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As I share premises with other tenants isn't Health & Safety the landlord's problem?
No! You have a duty of care to your employees on the premises you occupy.
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My employees won't wear Personal Protective clothing or equipment, so how can I be prosecuted if they fall ill?
You have a duty of care to ensure their health and safety. You must be prepared to enforce safe systems of work.
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My business is mainly office based isn't Health & Safety about factories and building sites?
No! Essentially you have a duty of care to your employees and you need to put in place appropriate Health & Safety Management systems. The provision of proper fire fighting equipment would be a simple example.
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Do I really need to worry, I am insured and that should cover the costs?
Your insurance will not cover breaches of Health & Safety legislation because it is a criminal act.
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When you talk about risk assessments, what do you mean?
Risk assessment is the process used to identify hazards, estimate the level of risk and implement measures to eliminate or reduce the risk.
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Why do I have to bother? Nothing has happened to me in years!
You have duty of care to your employees! The cynical answer is: the punishment for not bothering could be a heavy fine and or the closure of your business or even a custodial sentence.
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At what point do I need a Health & Safety Policy?
As soon as you start trading. As you will discover, if you employ five or more the policy will need to be written, in any event you should broadcast your policy to members of staff and ensure that they understand their role in ensuring a healthy and safe workplace environment.
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I am an office based business what training do my staff need?
There are a number of tasks in offices, which may need training or where training would be considered good practice. Some examples would include: Manual handling; first aid; fire drill and good VDU practice (posture etc.)
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What do if I am served with a notice?
If you are a subscriber to Themis Support, "Ask the Expert", if not contact a local Health & Safety Consultant or join now!
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