Safety in the workplace

Since the 1st January 1993 it has been a requirement that all workplaces comply with these Regulations:

Access
The route used for people to get to and from any workplace must be safe and without hazard; this includes passages, floors, walkways, stairs, ladders, etc. all of which should be in accordance with current safety standards and without hazard.

Where there are vehicles and pedestrians, arrangements should be made wherever possible, to separate them.

Lighting
All workplaces must be adequately lit, usually by a combination of natural and artificial lighting. Emergency lighting may be required in some circumstances.

Ventilation
Suitable and sufficient ventilation must be provided either by natural or mechanical means.

Space
Sufficient space should be provided for employees to work safely. As a guide there should be a minimum of 11 cubic meters per person in each workroom.

A reasonable temperature of at least 16 degrees celsius must be maintained in all workplaces. There are a few exceptions to this requirement and a lower temperature of 13 degrees celsius can be acceptable for work that involves physical effort. There is no upper temperature limit but temperatures must be reasonable and not cause danger to employees when carrying out any work activity.

Any means of heating provided must be safe.

Cleanliness
The workplace and any furnishings and fittings should be kept clean and waste material should not be allowed to accumulate.

Floor & Stairs
All floor and stairs must be maintained in a sound condition, free from holes, etc. The stairs must be kept free from obstruction and be provided with handrails; it may be necessary to highlight nosings. In some areas slip resistant floor coverings may be needed.

Seating
If work can be done sitting, appropriate seating must be provided and if necessary a footrest. Otherwise, suitable seats for staff to sit on when the opportunity arises must be arranged.

Drinking water
A supply of drinking water and suitable cups must be provided.

Rest facilities
It may be necessary to provide a rest room to allow employees to take breaks, eat food, etc. away from the work area. Adequate arrangements must be made in rest rooms to protect people from the discomfort of tobacco smoke.

Facilities must also be provided for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Vehicles
If you operate any vehicles as part of your work activity or if other vehicles visit your workplace you should:
- Ensure roadways are clearly marked, properly maintained and well lit
- Supervise vehicle movements, particularly at blind corners and when reversing
- Ensure the safety of reversing assistants and loading personnel
- Separate vehicles and pedestrians whenever possible by providing clearly marked walkways and   crossing points
- Ensure drivers are properly trained before they are authorised to drive
- Check that vehicle loads are stable and secure. 

Storage
Safe storage applies to almost every business from the largest warehouse to the smallest shop or office and should be considered as part of the risk assessment process. Use the following checklist to review your storage arrangements:

- Check the safe loading of racks, shelves and floors and do not exceed it
- Use a properly constructed rack for storage and secure it to the wall for stability
- Ensure stacks on floors or racks are stable and do not protrude into gangways
- Make sure there is a safe way for accessessing loads on racks and that any ladders or steps used are appropriate and in good repair
- Store heavy items as near to floor level as possible
- Check loads that might roll, such as drums or pipes.