Do I have to have someone in the organisation who is an expert in Health and Safety?

No, however it is preferable to have someone competent within the organisation as they will know more about what goes on in your business and what the real risks are.

If you don’t have someone who is competent with regards to the requirements of health and safety in the workplace then you must have access to a named competent health and safety advisor outside your organisation.

Why do I need all this Health and Safety anyway?

As an employer you have a Common Law Duty of Care to your employees. As well as this there is also a legal obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure the Health, Safety and Welfare of all your employees and those who may be affected by your undertakings.

Failure in these obligations could lead to large fines and/or imprisonment

I provide my staff with all the information and personal protective equipment (PPE); it is up to them to use it, isn’t it?

No, the Health and Safety at work act 1974 section 2 requires you to provide not only the required information but also instruction, learning and supervision in its use, and where necessary you should enforce the requirements.

Do I have to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to my employees?

Yes, when PPE is identified by risk assessment as a requirement then there is a duty on the employer to provide it free of charge, ensure it is suitable for the task, fits the individual properly and is worn. (HSAWA Sect 9)

I am only a small business, will it be expensive ?

No, it will not be expensive, unlike some of our competitors we charge a small retainer fee and then charge for what work you request us to carry out for you.
We will train you to manage your own Health and Safety so the cost will reduce in the future.
Whilst there is some cost, think of the cost of an accident to your business. The Health and Safety Executive calculator for such uninsured costs can be seen on their website but is typically £17000 to £19000 for a major injury.

Do I have to conduct Risk Assessments for Everything?

No. There is a legal requirement to assess all foreseeable, substantial risk in the workplace. These must be documented where companies employ 5 or more employees.

Risk assessments must be conducted by a competent person.
(Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – Regulation 3)