No more excuses
April 1st 2004

When it comes to health and safety legislation it can be a small step from non-compliance to criminal prosecution, says Alistair Smith of Butler and Young.

He warns company bosses Beware, running a business is about to get even more difficult now the government has signalled its intention to raise the profile of health and safety in the workplace.

Just to comply with current legislation employers must undertake a number of tasks that include having a written and up-to-date H&S policy, carrying out risk assessments, and notifying safety reps, workers and unions of proposed changes that affect workplace health and safety.

A third party can help. Provided a risk assessment is carried out by a competent person who has the knowledge, experience and personal attributes to know what to look for, recognise potential hazards when they see them and be able to assess their importance with regards to the ongoing safety of personnel, plant or operations, then this is acceptable.