This is not, except in rare instances, an absolute obligation.  Instead, you are normally required to do all that is reasonably practicable to keep your employees safe and that means weighing up the likelihood and severity of the risk on the one hand and the time, money and trouble of averting it on the other hand. 

In many cases, the Health and Safety Executive will have issued Codes of Practise to provide guidance.

What does "Competent Person" mean?

Your obligations must be discharged with the aid of a competent person. This can be you or one of your partners or an outside advisor. A competent person is someone whose experience, training and level of experience gives them the knowledge required to provide the advice and guidance you need.

You have an absolute obligation to engage a competent person to assist you, which means you must be adequately skilled or you must hire someone who is.

What does the word "employee" cover?

The word “employee” has a broad meaning in health and safety legislation than it does in many other areas of the law.  Anyone employed on a contract of employment, whether written down or not, students, voluntary unpaid workers and those on work experience are also included.

Am I responsible for the health and safety of visitors and contractors?

Yes. You have obligations that extent to visitors, clients, guests, neighbours, members of the public and anyone else who might be affected by what you do, including contractors and subcontractors, and it is possible that if you fail to comply with your health and safety obligations, you may invalidate your liability insurance or increase your premiums.

Does Health and Safety Law Apply to me?

The Act applies to all employers and all those who carry on a business, no matter what kind of business. Health and safety obligations apply to all work activities and all premises, including outdoor activities.