Health and Safety Helpline for UK Employers

The core compliance set

• Suitable and sufficient risk assessments, recorded in writing where you employ five or more people.
• A written health and safety policy, again required in writing at five or more employees.
• Competent assistance, either an internal appointee with training or an external consultant.
• Employers' liability insurance of at least £5 million, with the certificate accessible to staff.
• First aid provision, accident book, and fire risk assessment with a tested evacuation plan.
• Consultation with employees or their safety representatives on matters affecting their health and safety.

RIDDOR reporting deadlines

Keep a record of any over-three-day incapacity even though it is not reportable. Accident book entries are the first thing an inspector asks for.

If an inspector calls

1. Check identification and record the inspector's name and the powers being exercised.
2. Cooperate, but take advice before giving a formal interview under caution.
3. Ask for any notice in writing and note the deadline. An improvement notice normally allows at least 21 days; a prohibition notice can take effect immediately.
4. You have 21 days to appeal a notice to the employment tribunal.
5. Be aware of Fee for Intervention, which is charged at an hourly rate where a material breach is found.

The assessments most often missing

• Display screen equipment assessments, including for home workers.
• Manual handling assessments where lifting is part of the role.
• COSHH assessments for cleaning chemicals, which catches offices as well as industrial sites.
• New and expectant mother risk assessments, which must be reviewed once you are notified.
• Lone working and young worker assessments.
• Work-related stress, which the HSE treats through its Management Standards and expects to see assessed.