{"id":2330,"date":"2018-11-22T15:31:18","date_gmt":"2018-11-22T15:31:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imsm.com\/ug\/gb\/?p=2330"},"modified":"2022-11-22T15:05:40","modified_gmt":"2022-11-22T15:05:40","slug":"health-and-safety-responsibilities-employers-or-employees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imsm.com\/ug\/news\/health-and-safety-responsibilities-employers-or-employees\/","title":{"rendered":"Health and safety responsibilities: Employers or Employees?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a business owner, there comes a time when health and safety cannot rely on a few documents and your common sense. It needs more structure, a well-considered process and employee communication and buy-in. By educating yourself and your staff on responsibilities and protocols, you\u2019ll help promote a safe and healthy workplace.<\/p>\n

This blog offers guidance to help you understand your health and safety responsibilities.<\/p>\n

Who is responsible for workplace health and safety?<\/h2>\n

Primarily, the business owner has responsibility for workplace health and safety. However, every member of staff is responsible for carrying out all health and safety processes associated with their work, manage appropriate risks and undertake necessary training.<\/p>\n

Managers and supervisors should have a comprehensive understanding of workplace health and safety and what control measures need to be in place. They may also be responsible for communicating these principles or organising training for their team. Depending on the nature and size of the business it may be appropriate for the business owner to delegate responsibilities to managers or supervisors, though the buck still stops with the business owner.<\/p>\n

It is important to understand that responsibilities can vary, particularly for different business sectors. Always refer to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)<\/a> for the most recent guidance.<\/p>\n

What are the health and safety responsibilities of employers?<\/h2>\n

In addition to being responsible for their employees\u2019 health and safety, employers are responsible for all visitors to their premises including customers, suppliers and the general public. As mentioned above, responsibilities vary greatly between businesses so always check the HSE website<\/a> if you\u2019re not 100% certain.<\/p>\n

As an employer, the five primary responsibilities are:<\/p>\n

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  1. You must conduct thorough risk assessments, document and implement all health and safety processes and make sure they are communicated and adopted by all staff.<\/li>\n
  2. You must continue to oversee all processes and check that the measures remain in place.<\/li>\n
  3. You must also ensure that policies are updated when government guidance changes.<\/li>\n
  4. You are responsible for all training and management of records, including those related to incidents.<\/li>\n
  5. You must also appoint a \u2018competent person\u2019 with health and safety responsibilities and ensure they receive all the appropriate training and support.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What is an employer\u2019s duty of care?<\/h2>\n

    An employer\u2019s duty of care is to take all reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety and well-being of their staff. Again, this is highly contextual but may include;<\/p>\n