Health and Safety Requirements for Small Business

[Deleted member 332430]

We a new small museum open to the public with four staff members. At times we may have volunteers too. Trying to get our back office up to scratch. It seems that a lot of health and safety information is not required in writing due to the small nature of the business however we want to make sure we are reaching a high standard and are being extra careful as we are open to the public.

Health and Safety policies apparently do not need to be written but how could one possibly evidence that a policy exists and make such a policy clear to staff without a written document? Risk assessments seem to follow the same pattern.

Having an accident book only seem to be a requirement if we had 10 staff - what is the guidance when you have less? Shouldn't they be recorded somewhere? What if, later, a member of public tried to sue and there was no record of the incident?

Is it just serious injuries that have to be reported under RIDDOR to HSE? I assume it doesn't matter how many staff you have.

Thank you

 

[Scalloway]

Having an accident book only seem to be a requirement if we had 10 staff - what is the guidance when you have less? Shouldn't they be recorded somewhere? What if, later, a member of public tried to sue and there was no record of the incident?

I presume such an accident would be covered by insurance. What does your insurerer say?

 

[ecommerce84]

I think having no written H&S policy is not a good idea, even if you aren’t obliged to have one.

if it’s on paper, everyone knows where they stand.

I worked at a large heritage site and volunteers can be a law unto themselves sometimes. We’d make it crystal clear that as a volunteer they were obligated to undergo the same h&s training and sign off the same h&s policies as the paid staff.

A written risk assessment is also a good thing - it’s supposed to show how you manage any risks and highlight any other potential risks.

I’d always been one of the people in the ‘health and safety gone mad’ camp, but having that job showed me that once you have a few people in the mix, it’s essential to have at least the basics in place. Throw in the general public on a day out and you really need to be on the ball.

 

[Construction Training]

The problem you have is if anything goes wrong you must prove your innocence, you could only do this by having written documentation and signatures of staff to prove they have read and will abide by the policy, risk assessments etc.

 

[Deleted member 332430]

Thank you for your comments. That was my thinking. Would the same apply to an accident book? I.e. not required in our situation but is benficial if there were any accidents and potential queries down the line. @ecommerce84 @Construction Training

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

As you have members of the public entering the property, I suggest you will need to engage in having H&S procedures and policies written up ASAP.

Fire routes for example - must be shown to all staff and they must sign to say that they have been shown these, including any other fire procedures you have, as these 4 members of staff are now also fire officers (unless you have one assigned... but even so, you still need to have correct training provided to all staff members even if only one has been assigned).

They also need to have a copy of a company H&S Handbook as of which they need to sign for... to show that they or the "business" /Museum are aware of every correct procedure... for instance, a member of public has an accident at the premises... you have to have help them fill out your Accident Book, they have to give you their address... the last thing you want is a solicitors letter popping through your letter box taking you to court over a minor cut/graze claiming such things as dangerous site etc etc.

If there's a fire... who's in charge?

RAMS will be needed to be provided by cleaners now with regards to COVID therefore your COSH sheets will need to be up to date, even if it states that no harmful chemicals are to be used on site... it's something to have in place... "just in case".... and it's always a better thing to have anyway.

I believe reporting to RIDDOR and HSE is all down to how you seem fit... they don't want scratches being reported, but a fall that results in a broken bone... must be reported, then you've got to provide RAMS to show that something is being done about the issue to remove the cause and effect...

I think it was 2014 a chap fell off a roof in Manchester at about 9.30am and died... a few hours later another person fell off the same roof... suffering life changing injuries only the second accident was reported to HSE - the owner of the business was sent to prison for 6 years for gross negligence manslaughter and the company was fined over £400,000

Not really worth it... is it?

Additionally:

Bomb threat proceedures
Flooding Proceedures

anything else that could potentially endanger a member of the public's life... everyone needs to know everything...

 

[FullyCreative]

Hello @Galaxy2020

I work as an HSE Manager for an Engineering manufacturing company for the past 10 years, however, I support and consult businesses on ensuring their H&S requirements are supported.

First thing.
You state 4 employees. With this requirement, you must ensure you have written policy and risk assessments covering all aspects of hazards within your business.
These risk assessments must be communicated and training recorded.
You must clearly demonstrate that precaution and risk within your museum is managed, and at the same time ensure that the public's safety is maintained at all times.

You must ensure you have the HSAW Act poster displayed in your business for everyone to see.
Along with business policies, H&S, Environmental, Privacy, Insurance etc.

I would recommend you take a short H&S business course.
Management Safety with IOSHH is a good starting point for anyone wanting to know more about H&S.

Thank you for your comments. That was my thinking. Would the same apply to an accident book? I.e. not required in our situation but is beneficial if there were any accidents and potential queries down the line.

You ARE required to have an accident book. It is best practice and policy to ensure all accidents are recorded, just the same as you are required to have first-aid kits and fire extinguishers.

You must ensure that first-aid and fire arrangements are covered. As per some of the below:

• Accident record book (any incident must be recorded)
• First-aid kits
• Trained first aiders (with in-date training course)
• Disabled facilities (if required)
• Ability to have enough first-aid / fire trained person on-site given number of people which may be upon the site
• Defibs may be a worthy consideration
• Fire fighting measures
• Testing of fire alarm
• Checking of emergency lighting
• Checking of fire doors
• Evacuation drills

RIDDOR Reporting (hse . gov . uk / riddor /)
Requires that if anyone has a named injury listed on the HSE website above, then this must be reported.
If any employee who suffers an injury is absent from work or unable to resume 'normal duties' for a period of over 7 days then this is also reported.

Covid-19
I would also make a Covid-19 policy and risk assessment for your business to ensure everyone is aware of the measures and actions you are taking as a business.

In a nutshell.
You as a business must follow the H&S law - no exceptions
You as a business must and shall as far as reasonably practicable ensure you are following all law and legislation.
If you have a visit by the HSE they will be straight-talking and can impose unlimited fines. End of.

You must prove as a business you are doing everything possible with supporting evidence beyond any reasonable doubt that you can satisfy any claim, injury or legal failing with evidence to support your burden of proof.

I'm not 100% clued up on laws involving members of the public. But, having clearly written policies and procedures with clear training and competence understanding of your employees is all ways to support your business.

I hope this helps?


Regards,

Charlie