HSE for new consulting business?

[jaybostein16]

Hi, I'm considering starting a ltd company as an arboricultural consultant.

I have a degree and all the sufficient qualifications to undertake surveys and reports etc and want it to be within the confines of an official company, as opposed to being a sole trader.

As, technically, I would be an employee of the company (as well as the director), what exactly are my H&S obligations? Obviously, I'd be performing risk assessments for site work but at times I would also be climbing to perform aerial tree inspections - wouldn't that technically involve working at height legislations etc? There's just so much bureaucracy I don't know where to start with it all!

Does anyone know who I could go to who specialises in this area of law who could give me comprehensive advice on fulfilling my legal obligations?

Thanks!

 

[Scalloway]

Technically a director isn't an employee unless they sign a contract of employment.

 

[jaybostein16]

Technically a director isn't an employee unless they sign a contract of employment.

Is it a legal requirement to do so?

 

[Scalloway]

There is no legal requirement and in a one director business it would be pointless.

 

[DDAFIRE]

As, technically, I would be an employee of the company (as well as the director), what exactly are my H&S obligations?

As far as the HSE are concerned, the fact that you are technically an employee (or not?) is irrelevant, because as a director you are ultimatley responsible for the health, safety and welfare of your employees (and others who may be affected by your company's undertakings).

Obviously this is quite a deep question that is really beyond the scope of a forum post, but as a brief outline....

With regards to complying with the law see a blog post I wrote here, and add to the list;

• Health and Safety policy (If you employ 5 or more people)- See Here and Here.

• Risk Management/Assessment - See here and here.

Hope this helps

 

[jaybostein16]

Thanks for the answers guys, that's really helpful.

I just know this area can get quite anal and I didn't want to run into the law because, for example, I didn't have a fire extinguisher fixed to my office wall or something else of that nature!

Although, since I would be working from home, things like that wouldn't necessarily apply I imagine? I've never run a limited company from home before so it's all new to me. I'll give those links a look, cheers!

 

[safetynut]

I can offer you FREE Health and Safety advice no strings attached, small businesses need that extra help to get their business of the ground, too much bureaucracy and hearsay about these days that can hinder the success of someone setting up on their own.

PM me anytime.