With reference to the Health and Safety Act 2005 carry out a safety audit to include:

• Role of the employer and employee
• Principles and procedures of good housekeeping which contribute to a safe and healthy working environment
• The elements and functions of the safety statement
• A detailed hazard identification using 2 primary sources (e.g. observation, survey, interview and/or pictures)
• An evaluation of the risk associated with each hazard
• Control procedures for identified risks
• A re-evaluation of risks after implementation of control measures

Under the law employers are responsible for health and safety management. The following provides a broad outline of how the law applies to employers. Don’t forget, employees and the self employed have important responsibilities too.

It is an employer’s duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and other people who might be affected by their business. Employers must do whatever is reasonably practicable to achieve this.

This means making sure that workers and others are protected from anything that may cause harm, effectively controlling any risks to injury or health that could arise in the workplace.

Employers have duties under health and safety law to assess risks in the workplace. Risk assessments should be carried out that address all risks that might cause harm in your workplace.

Employers must give you information about the risks in your workplace and how you are protected, also instruct and train you on how to deal with the risks.

Employers must consult employees on health and safety issues. Consultation must be either direct or through a safety representative that is either elected by the workforce or appointed by a trade union.