FAQs
FAQs
I am a small contractor employing 3 people to work on a remote site in the Dales. Do I have to provide rest room / canteen facilities for them?
Yes. According to the Construction Health and Welfare Regulations 1996, all employers have a duty to provide adequate welfare facilities, regardless of how many are employed. There are however variations in the type and quantity of facilities required, depending on the specific circumstances. For example, on a very small or transient site it may be sufficient to provide portable facilities within, say, a vehicle. On larger sites fixed facilities may be required.
I own a small shop and employ 3 full time and 2 part time staff. Do I need a written safety policy?
Yes. The law requires that employers of 5 or more employees prepare and maintain a written safety policy. Part-timers, self employed and agency workers are regarded as "employed" for health and safety matters.
Do I have to provide and pay for protective footwear for my factory staff?
As an employer you must assess whether there is a risk of injury to your employees through the work that they carry out in the factory e.g. dropping heavy objects on toes. If there is, then you must provide suitable footwear, enforce its use and replace it as and when needed. You must not charge for any items which are provided for health and safety.
The number of employees who use computers is increasing all the time. Am I obliged to give them specific breaks during the day so that the can rest from their computers?
Yes. You should plan the activities of employees who use display screen equipment so that their work is periodically interrupted so as to reduce their workload at the equipment. In most cases you should utilise natural breaks or pauses which occur as part of the inherent nature of the work. Short and frequent breaks are sufficient.