In the UK, the Health and Safety at Work Act is the primary piece of legislation that covers work-related health and safety issues. If you work in the manufacturing or construction industry, the risks are considerably greater and the risk of a fatality occurring is increased. However, this doesn’t mean that working in an office environment is risk free. More than 5,000 serious injuries are sustained in offices every year. Safety procedures in the workplace are there to protect employees and clients alike, and should be adhered to at all times.
Employer Responsibilities
Your employer has a ‘duty of care’ whilst you are in the workplace, and this means looking after your health, safety and welfare at all times during your working hours. A risk assessment must be carried out to identify potential hazards and arrangements made to protect the health and safety of employees. An official record of this must be produced by companies that employ five or more people. Businesses should also appoint a ‘competent person’ to be responsible for health and safety procedures. It’s very important that your employer provides information about what to do in an emergency, how to get first-aid treatment and how to do your job in the safest possible way. All employees should be informed about potential risks, changes in procedure that may affect their health and safety and whether or not you are entitled to free health checks.
Employee Responsibilities
Staying safe at work is not completely the responsibility of your employer. You must be involved in protecting your own health and safety and that of your colleagues and co-workers. If there is protective equipment issued to you by your employer, you must wear it when appropriate. Remember to conduct visual checks on electrical equipment, and report any problems immediately. You should cooperate with others on health and safety and never misuse anything provided for your welfare or the welfare of others.
Fire Safety
Every workplace should be fitted with fire alarms, smoke detectors and a smoke ventilation system, available from specialist retailers including Rocburn Limited. Employers or competent persons must carry out regular checks to ensure that all fire alarm systems are working, emergency lighting is operational and all escape routes are clear and well-maintained. New employees should be briefed on fire safety procedures, and a fire drill must be conducted once a year and the results recorded.
