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Things you Must Do

Introduction:

There is a range of things that need to be done to make your business compliant with the law, some of which are listed below. One of the key objectives of HSENI is to provide the information that will enable you to do this. Events, leaflets, guidance, ACoPs and a duty inspector are just some of the ways that we achieve this.

Remember, if you are not sure - ASK!

Key Issues:

  • Check list

    • Take out Employer's Liability Compulsory Insurance
      Employer's Liability Compulsory Insurance covers you against claims from employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work.
    • Appoint a competent person
      The law says you must appoint a competent person to help you meet your health and safety duties. This does not have to be an external consultant.
    • Write your health and safety policy
      Your health and safety policy sets out the arrangements you have put in place for managing health and safety in your business. It is a unique document that says who does what, when and how.
    • Assess the risks
      Decide what could harm people and what precautions to take. This is your risk assessment. You must act on the findings of your risk assessment, by putting sensible controls in place to prevent accidents and ill health and making sure they are followed.
    • Provide basic welfare facilities
      You must provide a safe and healthy environment for all your employees. This includes toilets, washing facilities and drinking water, and appropriate lighting and temperature.

  • Check list cont.

    • Provide free health and safety training and supervision
      Everyone who works for you, including self-employed people, needs to know how to work safely and without risks to health. So you need to train them and supervise their work.
    • Consult your workers
      Consultation means discussing health and safety with your workers allowing them to raise concerns and influence decisions.
    • Display the health and safety law poster
      This is required by law. The poster includes basic health and safety information and lets people know who is responsible for health and safety in your workplace. Or you can give workers a leaflet.
    • Understand RIDDOR reporting procedures
      The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (NI)1997 (RIDDOR), require you to report work-related accidents, diseases and near-miss incidents. Make sure you know how to report, even if you never need to.
    • Keep up to date
      It is important to stay aware of changes to the law or current working practices.