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Manage occupational health risks
Benefits of promoting occupational health
Preventing illness and injury among employees by reducing the risks posed by their environment can cut costs and improve work performance and quality.
Addressing occupational health concerns isn't optional. All employers have a legal duty of care to their employees.
Advantages of promoting occupational health
Taking occupational health seriously can also bring a range of business benefits:
- lower absenteeism - for further information, see manage absence and sickness
- improved relationships with customers and suppliers
- improved productivity
- reduced staff turnover
Overall, it can cut your business' costs and improve its performance.
Occupational health risks
Tackling occupational health in your workplace broadly involves addressing:
- stress
- repetitive strain injury or work-related upper limb disorders
- back pain
- bullying, discrimination and harassment by other staff, managers or members of the public, such as customers
- the control of hazardous substances
- heat, light and noise
Occupational health problems are not only limited to immediate injury and disease. They can include the effects of long-term exposure to things like:
- asbestos and other fibres
- vapours and dusts
- bacteria and viruses
- noise and vibration
- other physical risks
They can also include psychological and social issues such as violence, bullying and sexual harassment.
Promoting occupational health
You should use the workplace as a setting to promote health in areas such as:
- smoking
- drug and alcohol use
- disease prevention and control, eg coronary heart disease and obesity
You must comply with the smoking ban in most enclosed public places, workplaces and company vehicles used by more than one person.
Support employees when they become ill by:
- following best practice on rehabilitation
- making reasonable adjustments
For more information on your wider health and safety duties, see health and safety basics for business.
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Occupational health risks
Tackling key threats to staff welfare - from stress and drug abuse to repetitive strain injury and exposure to hazards.
You should consider anything which affects your employees' welfare as an occupational health issue:
- Smoking, drug and alcohol abuse - not only can an addiction affect a person's performance, their behaviour can impact on colleagues. It is also against the law to smoke in workplaces and company vehicles used by more than one person. See workplace policies on smoking, drugs and alcohol.
- Stress - excessive pressure, work concerns or personal problems can affect your employees' mental, social and physical well-being. See how to deal with stress.
- Back pain and repetitive strain injury (RSI) - a variety of lifting, repetitive and other kinds of work, including computer work, can result in injury or longer-term disability. Good workstation design can help reduce the risks. See prevent repetitive strain injury at work, computer health and safety at work and safety of workplace machinery, equipment and tools.
- Control of hazardous substances - using chemicals or other hazardous substances at work can put people's health at risk. You must control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent ill-health. See managing hazardous substances.
- Disease prevention and control - you should promote good health and take measures to reduce the risks of diseases, infections and allergies. See diseases, infections and allergies in the workplace.
- Heat, light, noise and vibration - consider exposure to sudden changes in temperature, poor lighting and excessive vibration or noise levels. See workplace welfare facilities and healthy working environment.
- Radiation - exposure to radiation (ionising and non-ionising) is a risk in manufacturing, construction, engineering and education occupations as well as medical and dental practices and the nuclear industry.
- Violence, bullying and harassment - physical violence or psychological intimidation can have a serious impact on an employee's well-being. An effective discipline and grievance procedure is essential in tackling such problems. See bullying and harassment and disciplinary procedures, hearings and appeals. You should also take steps to protect employees from harassment from both other staff and third parties such as customers and suppliers.
- Work-life balance - working practices help employees achieve a better balance between their work and personal lives which can increase their productivity at work. See promote healthy work-life balance in your business.
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Occupational health concerns in different industries
Employee health and welfare issues in a range of sectors - from construction and agriculture to transport and food.
Depending on the business sector in which you operate, you and your employees are likely to face specific occupational health issues:
- Transport - you should consider drivers' comfort and posture as well as the hours they spend at the wheel.
- Building and construction - consider employees' fitness for specific tasks. Aim to prevent injury and exposure to construction risks such as excessive noise, vibration and hazardous materials.
- Manufacturing - take into account a range of engineering hazards, from excessive noise, temperature extremes and vibration, to potentially dangerous processes and hazardous substances.
- Agriculture - consider possible causes of stress such as long hours and and working alone, There is also a risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals, pesticides and zoonoses (diseases that can be spread from animals to humans).
- Offices - look at workstation design - seating, desks, lighting and screens, noise levels. See prevent repetitive strain injury at work and safety of workplace machinery, equipment and tools.
- Food and catering - consider the risks of allergies and infections posed by contact with certain substances.
- Retail, hotel and catering - consider how you can protect employees, particularly those in customer-facing roles, from third-party harassment.
- Warehousing - consider how exposure to sudden changes in temperature, lifting heavy items and poor lighting can affect health.
Regardless of the industry, you should pay particular attention to the needs of new and expectant mothers.
You must also enforce the smoking ban. This means that all substantially enclosed public places, workplaces and company vehicles used by more than one person should be smoke-free.
Many industries have very specific health and safety requirements - it's essential to ensure you're familiar with those affecting you.
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Manage occupational health risks
Measures to ensure your workplace is a healthy and safe area for your employees.
The condition and cleanliness of your workplace have a direct impact on the welfare of your employees. You must meet a range of minimum workplace standards under health and safety law.
Workplace facilities
You must provide:
- clean toilets, with water, soap and a towel or drier
- access to drinking water
- clean working areas, with waste regularly removed
- adequate space to work in
- a comfortable working temperature
You must also ensure that your workplace and any company vehicles used by more than one person are smoke-free.
See workplace welfare facilities and healthy working environment.
Risks to consider
Other issues you may have to consider include:
- supplying ergonomic office equipment, ie designed to give maximum comfort and support
- ensuring levels of dust and fumes are kept down - minimising smell levels
- ensuring staff are not subjected to excessive levels of noise
- preventing contact with irritants or hazardous substances
- providing well maintained and comfortable rest areas
- implementing good communication channels
Use a health and safety risk assessment to determine the specific risk in your business.
Manage occupational health risks
To establish and maintain a working environment that safeguards staff welfare you need to put into place systems which allow you to:
- identify and involve workers in assessing workplace risks
- assess and consider employees' needs when planning and organising work
- provide advice, information and training to employees, as well as mechanisms for employee feedback such as a suggestion scheme
- regularly monitor and record employees' health
Effective management of occupation health aims to improve general health and prevent work-related illness and injury. It should also include intervening early when health problems arise, and helping those who have long-term sickness to return to work.
Legal requirements
Some elements of occupational health are good practice, while others are legally required such as health and safety risk assessment.
Remember that you have a legal duty of care to your employees. This means you are responsible for all health and safety issues at work even those which are not covered by specific laws. You must assess all risks to employees' health and safety and take steps to control these risks.
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Train staff to avoid repetitive strain injury
Causes of repetitive strain injury at work
The types of activities that can lead to repetitive strain injury, and types of worker that are particularly at risk including risks from cold and vibration.
A wide range of activities and processes can cause upper limb disorders and repetitive strain injury (RSI). In your health and safety risk assessment you should consider all the tasks that are carried out in your business, paying particular attention to those which involve:
- the use of the hands and arms
- repetitive actions
- the use of sustained or excessive force
- actions performed for a long time
- poor and static posture or uncomfortable working positions
- vibration
- poor working environment and organisation eg working in cold conditions
You should also consider individual differences and susceptibility as well as the effects of stressful working practices such as high workloads, tight deadlines and a lack of control over work or working methods.
Consult with your employees - they're a valuable source of information about RSI risks. Common symptoms of an upper limb disorder include:
- tenderness
- aches and pains
- stiffness or pains from joints and the inability to straighten or bend those joints
- tingling
- numbness
- cramp
- swelling
Guidance on upper limb disorders in the workplace.
Workers who are at risk of RSI
Many businesses have to carry out tasks which may involve RSI risks. The following are examples of workers exposed to above average risk:
- assembly-line workers
- cleaning and domestic staff
- construction workers
- garment machinists
- hairdressers
- meat and poultry processors
- mushroom pickers
- secretaries
- pottery workers
- users of hand-held power tools
This isn't a comprehensive list. The key factor is the nature of the tasks your business carries out, rather than the business sector you work in. Be sure to look at all of them and assess those which may involve RSI risks.
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Reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury at work
How to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury in your business by encouraging breaks, adjusting workstations and reducing the weight of items handled.
The only way to fully remove the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) is to avoid using processes or equipment that might pose a risk. On a practical level, you may not be able to mechanise high-risk tasks or protect employees from exposure to risk altogether.
You can use your health and safety risk assessment to identify high-risk tasks and reduce their impact on your employees.
Download a tool to help you assess and deal with the risk of RSI (PDF, 1.46MB)
Make changes to reduce the risk of RSI
Changes do not necessarily need to be expensive. Simple and low-cost changes can often be effective. You can:
- break up periods of intensive or high-risk work - this reduces the chances of RSI developing
- arrange workstations and equipment to suit the workers using them, eg left-handed or very tall people may need different settings
- tackle the serious risks or those that affect a large number of workers first
- reduce the size or weight of things being handled, and/or the distances they're moved
- share high-risk tasks between a number of employees
- make sure your workplace is well lit - RSI can result from people adopting unusual positions to make the most of dim light or to avoid glare
- test any changes on one or two workers before making changes for everyone
In areas such as lighting, it's important that you comply with basic workplace standards. See workplace welfare facilities and healthy working environment.
Equipment to reduce the risk of RSI
You might be able to find alternative equipment for your employees to use. For example:
- more advanced power tools that cause lower levels of vibration may be available
- a properly adjusted chair and a well-positioned screen, keyboard and mouse will reduce the risk of RSI for computer users
- the use of well-designed workstations and equipment such as conveyors can make handling objects easier during manufacture, packing or loading
Equipment should be used along with appropriate breaks, information and training to reduce the risk.
Training
Whether you keep all your existing equipment and processes or introduce some new ones, training is crucial to minimising the risk of RSI. See train staff to avoid repetitive strain injury.
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Train staff to avoid repetitive strain injury
Training your staff in order to minimise the risks from repetitive strain injury by teaching them to be aware of the symptoms of RSI and reduce risks.
Training is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent people in your business developing repetitive strain injury (RSI). If workers do not follow the correct guidelines when carrying out tasks, it can increase their risk of RSI.
For example, sitting at a computer workstation won't necessarily cause an employee to develop a RSI, but the risk will be much higher if your employees:
- don't know how to adjust their seats correctly
- don't take regular take breaks
- don't know how to position the computer's screen, keyboard and mouse correctly
Key areas employee training should cover
Be sure that staff training includes the following:
- potential risks their work involves, eg making repeated forceful movements or using hand-held power tools for long periods
- how to reduce risks, eg following correct-usage guidelines supplied by equipment manufacturers
- what's expected of them, eg if power-tool workers need regular short breaks, make sure they take them
- the symptoms of RSI - the earlier RSI are spotted, the swifter the recovery usually is
- the correct procedure for reporting a RSI, or a task they think poses a RSI risk
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Source URL
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Checklist: avoiding repetitive strain injury
Key steps to avoid repetitive strain injury in your business, including carrying out a risk assessment, consulting employees and looking out for symptoms.
You have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of you and your employees. This includes taking steps to prevent repetitive strain injury (RSI). You must also take steps to prevent them worsening if they've already occurred. Make sure you:
- carry out a risk assessment - look at all the tasks your business carries out and see if any might cause RSI
- inform your employees - make sure they know the risks and how to minimise them, eg by taking regular rest breaks, having the correct posture and sharing high-risk tasks
- tell employees to look out for the symptoms of RSI, eg pain, numbness and tingling
- eradicate risks if possible - for example by using machines for high-risk activities
- reduce risks where possible - for example by changing your processes or using less harmful equipment
- provide any training your staff need to minimise the risk of RSI occurring
- consult with your staff - their feedback is an important source of information
- put systems in place for managing any RSI that does occur
Keep monitoring working conditions - review your risk assessment regularly.
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Source URL
/content/checklist-avoiding-repetitive-strain-injury
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Reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury at work
Causes of repetitive strain injury at work
The types of activities that can lead to repetitive strain injury, and types of worker that are particularly at risk including risks from cold and vibration.
A wide range of activities and processes can cause upper limb disorders and repetitive strain injury (RSI). In your health and safety risk assessment you should consider all the tasks that are carried out in your business, paying particular attention to those which involve:
- the use of the hands and arms
- repetitive actions
- the use of sustained or excessive force
- actions performed for a long time
- poor and static posture or uncomfortable working positions
- vibration
- poor working environment and organisation eg working in cold conditions
You should also consider individual differences and susceptibility as well as the effects of stressful working practices such as high workloads, tight deadlines and a lack of control over work or working methods.
Consult with your employees - they're a valuable source of information about RSI risks. Common symptoms of an upper limb disorder include:
- tenderness
- aches and pains
- stiffness or pains from joints and the inability to straighten or bend those joints
- tingling
- numbness
- cramp
- swelling
Guidance on upper limb disorders in the workplace.
Workers who are at risk of RSI
Many businesses have to carry out tasks which may involve RSI risks. The following are examples of workers exposed to above average risk:
- assembly-line workers
- cleaning and domestic staff
- construction workers
- garment machinists
- hairdressers
- meat and poultry processors
- mushroom pickers
- secretaries
- pottery workers
- users of hand-held power tools
This isn't a comprehensive list. The key factor is the nature of the tasks your business carries out, rather than the business sector you work in. Be sure to look at all of them and assess those which may involve RSI risks.
Developed withHelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/causes-repetitive-strain-injury-work
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Reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury at work
How to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury in your business by encouraging breaks, adjusting workstations and reducing the weight of items handled.
The only way to fully remove the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) is to avoid using processes or equipment that might pose a risk. On a practical level, you may not be able to mechanise high-risk tasks or protect employees from exposure to risk altogether.
You can use your health and safety risk assessment to identify high-risk tasks and reduce their impact on your employees.
Download a tool to help you assess and deal with the risk of RSI (PDF, 1.46MB)
Make changes to reduce the risk of RSI
Changes do not necessarily need to be expensive. Simple and low-cost changes can often be effective. You can:
- break up periods of intensive or high-risk work - this reduces the chances of RSI developing
- arrange workstations and equipment to suit the workers using them, eg left-handed or very tall people may need different settings
- tackle the serious risks or those that affect a large number of workers first
- reduce the size or weight of things being handled, and/or the distances they're moved
- share high-risk tasks between a number of employees
- make sure your workplace is well lit - RSI can result from people adopting unusual positions to make the most of dim light or to avoid glare
- test any changes on one or two workers before making changes for everyone
In areas such as lighting, it's important that you comply with basic workplace standards. See workplace welfare facilities and healthy working environment.
Equipment to reduce the risk of RSI
You might be able to find alternative equipment for your employees to use. For example:
- more advanced power tools that cause lower levels of vibration may be available
- a properly adjusted chair and a well-positioned screen, keyboard and mouse will reduce the risk of RSI for computer users
- the use of well-designed workstations and equipment such as conveyors can make handling objects easier during manufacture, packing or loading
Equipment should be used along with appropriate breaks, information and training to reduce the risk.
Training
Whether you keep all your existing equipment and processes or introduce some new ones, training is crucial to minimising the risk of RSI. See train staff to avoid repetitive strain injury.
Developed withHelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/reduce-risk-repetitive-strain-injury-work
Links
Train staff to avoid repetitive strain injury
Training your staff in order to minimise the risks from repetitive strain injury by teaching them to be aware of the symptoms of RSI and reduce risks.
Training is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent people in your business developing repetitive strain injury (RSI). If workers do not follow the correct guidelines when carrying out tasks, it can increase their risk of RSI.
For example, sitting at a computer workstation won't necessarily cause an employee to develop a RSI, but the risk will be much higher if your employees:
- don't know how to adjust their seats correctly
- don't take regular take breaks
- don't know how to position the computer's screen, keyboard and mouse correctly
Key areas employee training should cover
Be sure that staff training includes the following:
- potential risks their work involves, eg making repeated forceful movements or using hand-held power tools for long periods
- how to reduce risks, eg following correct-usage guidelines supplied by equipment manufacturers
- what's expected of them, eg if power-tool workers need regular short breaks, make sure they take them
- the symptoms of RSI - the earlier RSI are spotted, the swifter the recovery usually is
- the correct procedure for reporting a RSI, or a task they think poses a RSI risk
Developed withAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/train-staff-avoid-repetitive-strain-injury
Links
Checklist: avoiding repetitive strain injury
Key steps to avoid repetitive strain injury in your business, including carrying out a risk assessment, consulting employees and looking out for symptoms.
You have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of you and your employees. This includes taking steps to prevent repetitive strain injury (RSI). You must also take steps to prevent them worsening if they've already occurred. Make sure you:
- carry out a risk assessment - look at all the tasks your business carries out and see if any might cause RSI
- inform your employees - make sure they know the risks and how to minimise them, eg by taking regular rest breaks, having the correct posture and sharing high-risk tasks
- tell employees to look out for the symptoms of RSI, eg pain, numbness and tingling
- eradicate risks if possible - for example by using machines for high-risk activities
- reduce risks where possible - for example by changing your processes or using less harmful equipment
- provide any training your staff need to minimise the risk of RSI occurring
- consult with your staff - their feedback is an important source of information
- put systems in place for managing any RSI that does occur
Keep monitoring working conditions - review your risk assessment regularly.
Developed withActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/checklist-avoiding-repetitive-strain-injury
Links
Causes of repetitive strain injury at work
Causes of repetitive strain injury at work
The types of activities that can lead to repetitive strain injury, and types of worker that are particularly at risk including risks from cold and vibration.
A wide range of activities and processes can cause upper limb disorders and repetitive strain injury (RSI). In your health and safety risk assessment you should consider all the tasks that are carried out in your business, paying particular attention to those which involve:
- the use of the hands and arms
- repetitive actions
- the use of sustained or excessive force
- actions performed for a long time
- poor and static posture or uncomfortable working positions
- vibration
- poor working environment and organisation eg working in cold conditions
You should also consider individual differences and susceptibility as well as the effects of stressful working practices such as high workloads, tight deadlines and a lack of control over work or working methods.
Consult with your employees - they're a valuable source of information about RSI risks. Common symptoms of an upper limb disorder include:
- tenderness
- aches and pains
- stiffness or pains from joints and the inability to straighten or bend those joints
- tingling
- numbness
- cramp
- swelling
Guidance on upper limb disorders in the workplace.
Workers who are at risk of RSI
Many businesses have to carry out tasks which may involve RSI risks. The following are examples of workers exposed to above average risk:
- assembly-line workers
- cleaning and domestic staff
- construction workers
- garment machinists
- hairdressers
- meat and poultry processors
- mushroom pickers
- secretaries
- pottery workers
- users of hand-held power tools
This isn't a comprehensive list. The key factor is the nature of the tasks your business carries out, rather than the business sector you work in. Be sure to look at all of them and assess those which may involve RSI risks.
Developed withHelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/causes-repetitive-strain-injury-work
Links
Reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury at work
How to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury in your business by encouraging breaks, adjusting workstations and reducing the weight of items handled.
The only way to fully remove the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) is to avoid using processes or equipment that might pose a risk. On a practical level, you may not be able to mechanise high-risk tasks or protect employees from exposure to risk altogether.
You can use your health and safety risk assessment to identify high-risk tasks and reduce their impact on your employees.
Download a tool to help you assess and deal with the risk of RSI (PDF, 1.46MB)
Make changes to reduce the risk of RSI
Changes do not necessarily need to be expensive. Simple and low-cost changes can often be effective. You can:
- break up periods of intensive or high-risk work - this reduces the chances of RSI developing
- arrange workstations and equipment to suit the workers using them, eg left-handed or very tall people may need different settings
- tackle the serious risks or those that affect a large number of workers first
- reduce the size or weight of things being handled, and/or the distances they're moved
- share high-risk tasks between a number of employees
- make sure your workplace is well lit - RSI can result from people adopting unusual positions to make the most of dim light or to avoid glare
- test any changes on one or two workers before making changes for everyone
In areas such as lighting, it's important that you comply with basic workplace standards. See workplace welfare facilities and healthy working environment.
Equipment to reduce the risk of RSI
You might be able to find alternative equipment for your employees to use. For example:
- more advanced power tools that cause lower levels of vibration may be available
- a properly adjusted chair and a well-positioned screen, keyboard and mouse will reduce the risk of RSI for computer users
- the use of well-designed workstations and equipment such as conveyors can make handling objects easier during manufacture, packing or loading
Equipment should be used along with appropriate breaks, information and training to reduce the risk.
Training
Whether you keep all your existing equipment and processes or introduce some new ones, training is crucial to minimising the risk of RSI. See train staff to avoid repetitive strain injury.
Developed withHelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/reduce-risk-repetitive-strain-injury-work
Links
Train staff to avoid repetitive strain injury
Training your staff in order to minimise the risks from repetitive strain injury by teaching them to be aware of the symptoms of RSI and reduce risks.
Training is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent people in your business developing repetitive strain injury (RSI). If workers do not follow the correct guidelines when carrying out tasks, it can increase their risk of RSI.
For example, sitting at a computer workstation won't necessarily cause an employee to develop a RSI, but the risk will be much higher if your employees:
- don't know how to adjust their seats correctly
- don't take regular take breaks
- don't know how to position the computer's screen, keyboard and mouse correctly
Key areas employee training should cover
Be sure that staff training includes the following:
- potential risks their work involves, eg making repeated forceful movements or using hand-held power tools for long periods
- how to reduce risks, eg following correct-usage guidelines supplied by equipment manufacturers
- what's expected of them, eg if power-tool workers need regular short breaks, make sure they take them
- the symptoms of RSI - the earlier RSI are spotted, the swifter the recovery usually is
- the correct procedure for reporting a RSI, or a task they think poses a RSI risk
Developed withAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/train-staff-avoid-repetitive-strain-injury
Links
Checklist: avoiding repetitive strain injury
Key steps to avoid repetitive strain injury in your business, including carrying out a risk assessment, consulting employees and looking out for symptoms.
You have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of you and your employees. This includes taking steps to prevent repetitive strain injury (RSI). You must also take steps to prevent them worsening if they've already occurred. Make sure you:
- carry out a risk assessment - look at all the tasks your business carries out and see if any might cause RSI
- inform your employees - make sure they know the risks and how to minimise them, eg by taking regular rest breaks, having the correct posture and sharing high-risk tasks
- tell employees to look out for the symptoms of RSI, eg pain, numbness and tingling
- eradicate risks if possible - for example by using machines for high-risk activities
- reduce risks where possible - for example by changing your processes or using less harmful equipment
- provide any training your staff need to minimise the risk of RSI occurring
- consult with your staff - their feedback is an important source of information
- put systems in place for managing any RSI that does occur
Keep monitoring working conditions - review your risk assessment regularly.
Developed withActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/checklist-avoiding-repetitive-strain-injury
Links
Occupational health concerns in different industries
Benefits of promoting occupational health
Preventing illness and injury among employees by reducing the risks posed by their environment can cut costs and improve work performance and quality.
Addressing occupational health concerns isn't optional. All employers have a legal duty of care to their employees.
Advantages of promoting occupational health
Taking occupational health seriously can also bring a range of business benefits:
- lower absenteeism - for further information, see manage absence and sickness
- improved relationships with customers and suppliers
- improved productivity
- reduced staff turnover
Overall, it can cut your business' costs and improve its performance.
Occupational health risks
Tackling occupational health in your workplace broadly involves addressing:
- stress
- repetitive strain injury or work-related upper limb disorders
- back pain
- bullying, discrimination and harassment by other staff, managers or members of the public, such as customers
- the control of hazardous substances
- heat, light and noise
Occupational health problems are not only limited to immediate injury and disease. They can include the effects of long-term exposure to things like:
- asbestos and other fibres
- vapours and dusts
- bacteria and viruses
- noise and vibration
- other physical risks
They can also include psychological and social issues such as violence, bullying and sexual harassment.
Promoting occupational health
You should use the workplace as a setting to promote health in areas such as:
- smoking
- drug and alcohol use
- disease prevention and control, eg coronary heart disease and obesity
You must comply with the smoking ban in most enclosed public places, workplaces and company vehicles used by more than one person.
Support employees when they become ill by:
- following best practice on rehabilitation
- making reasonable adjustments
For more information on your wider health and safety duties, see health and safety basics for business.
Developed withHelpAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/benefits-promoting-occupational-health
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Occupational health risks
Tackling key threats to staff welfare - from stress and drug abuse to repetitive strain injury and exposure to hazards.
You should consider anything which affects your employees' welfare as an occupational health issue:
- Smoking, drug and alcohol abuse - not only can an addiction affect a person's performance, their behaviour can impact on colleagues. It is also against the law to smoke in workplaces and company vehicles used by more than one person. See workplace policies on smoking, drugs and alcohol.
- Stress - excessive pressure, work concerns or personal problems can affect your employees' mental, social and physical well-being. See how to deal with stress.
- Back pain and repetitive strain injury (RSI) - a variety of lifting, repetitive and other kinds of work, including computer work, can result in injury or longer-term disability. Good workstation design can help reduce the risks. See prevent repetitive strain injury at work, computer health and safety at work and safety of workplace machinery, equipment and tools.
- Control of hazardous substances - using chemicals or other hazardous substances at work can put people's health at risk. You must control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent ill-health. See managing hazardous substances.
- Disease prevention and control - you should promote good health and take measures to reduce the risks of diseases, infections and allergies. See diseases, infections and allergies in the workplace.
- Heat, light, noise and vibration - consider exposure to sudden changes in temperature, poor lighting and excessive vibration or noise levels. See workplace welfare facilities and healthy working environment.
- Radiation - exposure to radiation (ionising and non-ionising) is a risk in manufacturing, construction, engineering and education occupations as well as medical and dental practices and the nuclear industry.
- Violence, bullying and harassment - physical violence or psychological intimidation can have a serious impact on an employee's well-being. An effective discipline and grievance procedure is essential in tackling such problems. See bullying and harassment and disciplinary procedures, hearings and appeals. You should also take steps to protect employees from harassment from both other staff and third parties such as customers and suppliers.
- Work-life balance - working practices help employees achieve a better balance between their work and personal lives which can increase their productivity at work. See promote healthy work-life balance in your business.
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Source URL
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Occupational health concerns in different industries
Employee health and welfare issues in a range of sectors - from construction and agriculture to transport and food.
Depending on the business sector in which you operate, you and your employees are likely to face specific occupational health issues:
- Transport - you should consider drivers' comfort and posture as well as the hours they spend at the wheel.
- Building and construction - consider employees' fitness for specific tasks. Aim to prevent injury and exposure to construction risks such as excessive noise, vibration and hazardous materials.
- Manufacturing - take into account a range of engineering hazards, from excessive noise, temperature extremes and vibration, to potentially dangerous processes and hazardous substances.
- Agriculture - consider possible causes of stress such as long hours and and working alone, There is also a risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals, pesticides and zoonoses (diseases that can be spread from animals to humans).
- Offices - look at workstation design - seating, desks, lighting and screens, noise levels. See prevent repetitive strain injury at work and safety of workplace machinery, equipment and tools.
- Food and catering - consider the risks of allergies and infections posed by contact with certain substances.
- Retail, hotel and catering - consider how you can protect employees, particularly those in customer-facing roles, from third-party harassment.
- Warehousing - consider how exposure to sudden changes in temperature, lifting heavy items and poor lighting can affect health.
Regardless of the industry, you should pay particular attention to the needs of new and expectant mothers.
You must also enforce the smoking ban. This means that all substantially enclosed public places, workplaces and company vehicles used by more than one person should be smoke-free.
Many industries have very specific health and safety requirements - it's essential to ensure you're familiar with those affecting you.
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Manage occupational health risks
Measures to ensure your workplace is a healthy and safe area for your employees.
The condition and cleanliness of your workplace have a direct impact on the welfare of your employees. You must meet a range of minimum workplace standards under health and safety law.
Workplace facilities
You must provide:
- clean toilets, with water, soap and a towel or drier
- access to drinking water
- clean working areas, with waste regularly removed
- adequate space to work in
- a comfortable working temperature
You must also ensure that your workplace and any company vehicles used by more than one person are smoke-free.
See workplace welfare facilities and healthy working environment.
Risks to consider
Other issues you may have to consider include:
- supplying ergonomic office equipment, ie designed to give maximum comfort and support
- ensuring levels of dust and fumes are kept down - minimising smell levels
- ensuring staff are not subjected to excessive levels of noise
- preventing contact with irritants or hazardous substances
- providing well maintained and comfortable rest areas
- implementing good communication channels
Use a health and safety risk assessment to determine the specific risk in your business.
Manage occupational health risks
To establish and maintain a working environment that safeguards staff welfare you need to put into place systems which allow you to:
- identify and involve workers in assessing workplace risks
- assess and consider employees' needs when planning and organising work
- provide advice, information and training to employees, as well as mechanisms for employee feedback such as a suggestion scheme
- regularly monitor and record employees' health
Effective management of occupation health aims to improve general health and prevent work-related illness and injury. It should also include intervening early when health problems arise, and helping those who have long-term sickness to return to work.
Legal requirements
Some elements of occupational health are good practice, while others are legally required such as health and safety risk assessment.
Remember that you have a legal duty of care to your employees. This means you are responsible for all health and safety issues at work even those which are not covered by specific laws. You must assess all risks to employees' health and safety and take steps to control these risks.
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Occupational health risks
Benefits of promoting occupational health
Preventing illness and injury among employees by reducing the risks posed by their environment can cut costs and improve work performance and quality.
Addressing occupational health concerns isn't optional. All employers have a legal duty of care to their employees.
Advantages of promoting occupational health
Taking occupational health seriously can also bring a range of business benefits:
- lower absenteeism - for further information, see manage absence and sickness
- improved relationships with customers and suppliers
- improved productivity
- reduced staff turnover
Overall, it can cut your business' costs and improve its performance.
Occupational health risks
Tackling occupational health in your workplace broadly involves addressing:
- stress
- repetitive strain injury or work-related upper limb disorders
- back pain
- bullying, discrimination and harassment by other staff, managers or members of the public, such as customers
- the control of hazardous substances
- heat, light and noise
Occupational health problems are not only limited to immediate injury and disease. They can include the effects of long-term exposure to things like:
- asbestos and other fibres
- vapours and dusts
- bacteria and viruses
- noise and vibration
- other physical risks
They can also include psychological and social issues such as violence, bullying and sexual harassment.
Promoting occupational health
You should use the workplace as a setting to promote health in areas such as:
- smoking
- drug and alcohol use
- disease prevention and control, eg coronary heart disease and obesity
You must comply with the smoking ban in most enclosed public places, workplaces and company vehicles used by more than one person.
Support employees when they become ill by:
- following best practice on rehabilitation
- making reasonable adjustments
For more information on your wider health and safety duties, see health and safety basics for business.
Developed withHelpAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/benefits-promoting-occupational-health
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Occupational health risks
Tackling key threats to staff welfare - from stress and drug abuse to repetitive strain injury and exposure to hazards.
You should consider anything which affects your employees' welfare as an occupational health issue:
- Smoking, drug and alcohol abuse - not only can an addiction affect a person's performance, their behaviour can impact on colleagues. It is also against the law to smoke in workplaces and company vehicles used by more than one person. See workplace policies on smoking, drugs and alcohol.
- Stress - excessive pressure, work concerns or personal problems can affect your employees' mental, social and physical well-being. See how to deal with stress.
- Back pain and repetitive strain injury (RSI) - a variety of lifting, repetitive and other kinds of work, including computer work, can result in injury or longer-term disability. Good workstation design can help reduce the risks. See prevent repetitive strain injury at work, computer health and safety at work and safety of workplace machinery, equipment and tools.
- Control of hazardous substances - using chemicals or other hazardous substances at work can put people's health at risk. You must control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent ill-health. See managing hazardous substances.
- Disease prevention and control - you should promote good health and take measures to reduce the risks of diseases, infections and allergies. See diseases, infections and allergies in the workplace.
- Heat, light, noise and vibration - consider exposure to sudden changes in temperature, poor lighting and excessive vibration or noise levels. See workplace welfare facilities and healthy working environment.
- Radiation - exposure to radiation (ionising and non-ionising) is a risk in manufacturing, construction, engineering and education occupations as well as medical and dental practices and the nuclear industry.
- Violence, bullying and harassment - physical violence or psychological intimidation can have a serious impact on an employee's well-being. An effective discipline and grievance procedure is essential in tackling such problems. See bullying and harassment and disciplinary procedures, hearings and appeals. You should also take steps to protect employees from harassment from both other staff and third parties such as customers and suppliers.
- Work-life balance - working practices help employees achieve a better balance between their work and personal lives which can increase their productivity at work. See promote healthy work-life balance in your business.
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Occupational health concerns in different industries
Employee health and welfare issues in a range of sectors - from construction and agriculture to transport and food.
Depending on the business sector in which you operate, you and your employees are likely to face specific occupational health issues:
- Transport - you should consider drivers' comfort and posture as well as the hours they spend at the wheel.
- Building and construction - consider employees' fitness for specific tasks. Aim to prevent injury and exposure to construction risks such as excessive noise, vibration and hazardous materials.
- Manufacturing - take into account a range of engineering hazards, from excessive noise, temperature extremes and vibration, to potentially dangerous processes and hazardous substances.
- Agriculture - consider possible causes of stress such as long hours and and working alone, There is also a risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals, pesticides and zoonoses (diseases that can be spread from animals to humans).
- Offices - look at workstation design - seating, desks, lighting and screens, noise levels. See prevent repetitive strain injury at work and safety of workplace machinery, equipment and tools.
- Food and catering - consider the risks of allergies and infections posed by contact with certain substances.
- Retail, hotel and catering - consider how you can protect employees, particularly those in customer-facing roles, from third-party harassment.
- Warehousing - consider how exposure to sudden changes in temperature, lifting heavy items and poor lighting can affect health.
Regardless of the industry, you should pay particular attention to the needs of new and expectant mothers.
You must also enforce the smoking ban. This means that all substantially enclosed public places, workplaces and company vehicles used by more than one person should be smoke-free.
Many industries have very specific health and safety requirements - it's essential to ensure you're familiar with those affecting you.
Developed withHelpAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/occupational-health-concerns-different-industries
Links
Manage occupational health risks
Measures to ensure your workplace is a healthy and safe area for your employees.
The condition and cleanliness of your workplace have a direct impact on the welfare of your employees. You must meet a range of minimum workplace standards under health and safety law.
Workplace facilities
You must provide:
- clean toilets, with water, soap and a towel or drier
- access to drinking water
- clean working areas, with waste regularly removed
- adequate space to work in
- a comfortable working temperature
You must also ensure that your workplace and any company vehicles used by more than one person are smoke-free.
See workplace welfare facilities and healthy working environment.
Risks to consider
Other issues you may have to consider include:
- supplying ergonomic office equipment, ie designed to give maximum comfort and support
- ensuring levels of dust and fumes are kept down - minimising smell levels
- ensuring staff are not subjected to excessive levels of noise
- preventing contact with irritants or hazardous substances
- providing well maintained and comfortable rest areas
- implementing good communication channels
Use a health and safety risk assessment to determine the specific risk in your business.
Manage occupational health risks
To establish and maintain a working environment that safeguards staff welfare you need to put into place systems which allow you to:
- identify and involve workers in assessing workplace risks
- assess and consider employees' needs when planning and organising work
- provide advice, information and training to employees, as well as mechanisms for employee feedback such as a suggestion scheme
- regularly monitor and record employees' health
Effective management of occupation health aims to improve general health and prevent work-related illness and injury. It should also include intervening early when health problems arise, and helping those who have long-term sickness to return to work.
Legal requirements
Some elements of occupational health are good practice, while others are legally required such as health and safety risk assessment.
Remember that you have a legal duty of care to your employees. This means you are responsible for all health and safety issues at work even those which are not covered by specific laws. You must assess all risks to employees' health and safety and take steps to control these risks.
Developed withHelpAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/manage-occupational-health-risks
Links
Benefits of promoting occupational health
Benefits of promoting occupational health
Preventing illness and injury among employees by reducing the risks posed by their environment can cut costs and improve work performance and quality.
Addressing occupational health concerns isn't optional. All employers have a legal duty of care to their employees.
Advantages of promoting occupational health
Taking occupational health seriously can also bring a range of business benefits:
- lower absenteeism - for further information, see manage absence and sickness
- improved relationships with customers and suppliers
- improved productivity
- reduced staff turnover
Overall, it can cut your business' costs and improve its performance.
Occupational health risks
Tackling occupational health in your workplace broadly involves addressing:
- stress
- repetitive strain injury or work-related upper limb disorders
- back pain
- bullying, discrimination and harassment by other staff, managers or members of the public, such as customers
- the control of hazardous substances
- heat, light and noise
Occupational health problems are not only limited to immediate injury and disease. They can include the effects of long-term exposure to things like:
- asbestos and other fibres
- vapours and dusts
- bacteria and viruses
- noise and vibration
- other physical risks
They can also include psychological and social issues such as violence, bullying and sexual harassment.
Promoting occupational health
You should use the workplace as a setting to promote health in areas such as:
- smoking
- drug and alcohol use
- disease prevention and control, eg coronary heart disease and obesity
You must comply with the smoking ban in most enclosed public places, workplaces and company vehicles used by more than one person.
Support employees when they become ill by:
- following best practice on rehabilitation
- making reasonable adjustments
For more information on your wider health and safety duties, see health and safety basics for business.
Developed withHelpAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/benefits-promoting-occupational-health
Links
Occupational health risks
Tackling key threats to staff welfare - from stress and drug abuse to repetitive strain injury and exposure to hazards.
You should consider anything which affects your employees' welfare as an occupational health issue:
- Smoking, drug and alcohol abuse - not only can an addiction affect a person's performance, their behaviour can impact on colleagues. It is also against the law to smoke in workplaces and company vehicles used by more than one person. See workplace policies on smoking, drugs and alcohol.
- Stress - excessive pressure, work concerns or personal problems can affect your employees' mental, social and physical well-being. See how to deal with stress.
- Back pain and repetitive strain injury (RSI) - a variety of lifting, repetitive and other kinds of work, including computer work, can result in injury or longer-term disability. Good workstation design can help reduce the risks. See prevent repetitive strain injury at work, computer health and safety at work and safety of workplace machinery, equipment and tools.
- Control of hazardous substances - using chemicals or other hazardous substances at work can put people's health at risk. You must control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent ill-health. See managing hazardous substances.
- Disease prevention and control - you should promote good health and take measures to reduce the risks of diseases, infections and allergies. See diseases, infections and allergies in the workplace.
- Heat, light, noise and vibration - consider exposure to sudden changes in temperature, poor lighting and excessive vibration or noise levels. See workplace welfare facilities and healthy working environment.
- Radiation - exposure to radiation (ionising and non-ionising) is a risk in manufacturing, construction, engineering and education occupations as well as medical and dental practices and the nuclear industry.
- Violence, bullying and harassment - physical violence or psychological intimidation can have a serious impact on an employee's well-being. An effective discipline and grievance procedure is essential in tackling such problems. See bullying and harassment and disciplinary procedures, hearings and appeals. You should also take steps to protect employees from harassment from both other staff and third parties such as customers and suppliers.
- Work-life balance - working practices help employees achieve a better balance between their work and personal lives which can increase their productivity at work. See promote healthy work-life balance in your business.
Developed withHelpContent category
Source URL
/content/occupational-health-risks
Links
Occupational health concerns in different industries
Employee health and welfare issues in a range of sectors - from construction and agriculture to transport and food.
Depending on the business sector in which you operate, you and your employees are likely to face specific occupational health issues:
- Transport - you should consider drivers' comfort and posture as well as the hours they spend at the wheel.
- Building and construction - consider employees' fitness for specific tasks. Aim to prevent injury and exposure to construction risks such as excessive noise, vibration and hazardous materials.
- Manufacturing - take into account a range of engineering hazards, from excessive noise, temperature extremes and vibration, to potentially dangerous processes and hazardous substances.
- Agriculture - consider possible causes of stress such as long hours and and working alone, There is also a risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals, pesticides and zoonoses (diseases that can be spread from animals to humans).
- Offices - look at workstation design - seating, desks, lighting and screens, noise levels. See prevent repetitive strain injury at work and safety of workplace machinery, equipment and tools.
- Food and catering - consider the risks of allergies and infections posed by contact with certain substances.
- Retail, hotel and catering - consider how you can protect employees, particularly those in customer-facing roles, from third-party harassment.
- Warehousing - consider how exposure to sudden changes in temperature, lifting heavy items and poor lighting can affect health.
Regardless of the industry, you should pay particular attention to the needs of new and expectant mothers.
You must also enforce the smoking ban. This means that all substantially enclosed public places, workplaces and company vehicles used by more than one person should be smoke-free.
Many industries have very specific health and safety requirements - it's essential to ensure you're familiar with those affecting you.
Developed withHelpAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/occupational-health-concerns-different-industries
Links
Manage occupational health risks
Measures to ensure your workplace is a healthy and safe area for your employees.
The condition and cleanliness of your workplace have a direct impact on the welfare of your employees. You must meet a range of minimum workplace standards under health and safety law.
Workplace facilities
You must provide:
- clean toilets, with water, soap and a towel or drier
- access to drinking water
- clean working areas, with waste regularly removed
- adequate space to work in
- a comfortable working temperature
You must also ensure that your workplace and any company vehicles used by more than one person are smoke-free.
See workplace welfare facilities and healthy working environment.
Risks to consider
Other issues you may have to consider include:
- supplying ergonomic office equipment, ie designed to give maximum comfort and support
- ensuring levels of dust and fumes are kept down - minimising smell levels
- ensuring staff are not subjected to excessive levels of noise
- preventing contact with irritants or hazardous substances
- providing well maintained and comfortable rest areas
- implementing good communication channels
Use a health and safety risk assessment to determine the specific risk in your business.
Manage occupational health risks
To establish and maintain a working environment that safeguards staff welfare you need to put into place systems which allow you to:
- identify and involve workers in assessing workplace risks
- assess and consider employees' needs when planning and organising work
- provide advice, information and training to employees, as well as mechanisms for employee feedback such as a suggestion scheme
- regularly monitor and record employees' health
Effective management of occupation health aims to improve general health and prevent work-related illness and injury. It should also include intervening early when health problems arise, and helping those who have long-term sickness to return to work.
Legal requirements
Some elements of occupational health are good practice, while others are legally required such as health and safety risk assessment.
Remember that you have a legal duty of care to your employees. This means you are responsible for all health and safety issues at work even those which are not covered by specific laws. You must assess all risks to employees' health and safety and take steps to control these risks.
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Source URL
/content/manage-occupational-health-risks
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Reduce the risks of using workplace equipment
In this guide:
- Safety of workplace machinery, equipment and tools
- Types of work equipment in safety law
- Work equipment safety - your legal duties
- Workplace equipment risk assessment
- Reduce the risks of using workplace equipment
- Equipment maintenance and checks for safety
- Purchase the safest workplace equipment and machinery
- Use hand-held tools safely
Types of work equipment in safety law
Types of equipment covered by the law and the definition of machinery in sectors such as manufacturing, building, construction, offices and transport.
Employers must ensure that all work equipment is safe and doesn't pose a hazard or risk to employee health.
Workplace equipment in industry sectors
Many industry sectors use workplace equipment. This includes those using heavy machinery, such as:
- manufacturing
- agriculture
- construction
- forestry
- quarries
The rules also apply to all other workplaces, such as:
- offices
- shops
- hotels
- engineering businesses
- car repair services
Employers must ensure that those using equipment have enough knowledge and training to use it safely.
Examples of workplace equipment
The regulations cover many types of equipment, including:
- manufacturing - including welding tools, production lines, furnaces, machine tools, circular saws, power presses and lifting equipment
- building and construction - items such as hand-held power tools, ladders, hammers, drills, knives and screwdrivers
- offices - items such as computers and photocopiers
- workplace and off-road vehicles - including dumper and forklift trucks, tractors, rail and road haulage vehicles
Equipment with moving parts and some kind of drive unit is normally known as machinery. Download buying new machinery guidance (PDF, 110K).
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Work equipment safety - your legal duties
What the law requires you to do to ensure your equipment is safe - from maintenance to assessing risks through inspection and taking appropriate action.
You must ensure work equipment is safe under:
- the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)
- the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations.
In particular equipment must be:
- suitable for the job
- maintained to keep it safe at all times
- inspected at suitable intervals if wear and tear might cause risks
- inspected before first use if the equipment's safety depends on how it was set up
- assessed for levels of noise and vibration operators and others are exposed to
There are also further duties if you buy machinery. See purchase the safest workplace equipment and machinery.
You'll need to assess the risks of using the equipment as part of your overall health and safety risk assessment. See health and safety risk assessment.
If your risk assessment highlights any potential problems, you must make sure you minimise these risks. You may need to:
- remove the risk or change the item to a safer one
- provide suitable protective guards, emergency stop buttons and warning notices
- develop new work processes or find other ways to limit regular exposure to high noise and vibration levels
- minimise risks by introducing instruction manuals, training and refresher courses
- provide suitable personal protective equipment
The rules also cover mobile work equipment such as dumper trucks and forklift vehicles.
You must make sure that you minimise risks for passengers, drivers and anyone near the vehicle. This may involve fitting seat belts, exterior lights and warning alarms that can be heard outside the vehicle. Download a guide to managing vehicle safety in the workplace (PDF, 374K).
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Workplace equipment risk assessment
Identify hazards posed by tools and equipment, and assess the likelihood of accidents occurring and use your risk assessment to identify actions to take.
There are many hazards involved in the use of workplace equipment. For example:
- Cutting equipment could cause trapping or amputation of limbs.
- A forklift truck could roll over. This could cause crush injuries.
- Equipment that uses heat could cause injuries such as scalding and burns. This includes ovens, grills and welding equipment.
- Equipment that emits very bright light could cause damage to skin or eyes. This includes lasers or sources of ultraviolet light.
- Equipment that transmits vibrations into the hand or arm (HAV), or whole body (WBV) could cause long-term illness or disability. This includes grinding equipment and tractors.
- Certain equipment where people have to work in confined spaces can pose a risk of asphyxiation. For example storage tanks that could develop an unbreathable atmosphere or fill up with noxious fumes.
Download exposure to HAV guidance (PDF, 154K).
Assess the risks
Your risk assessment needs to assess the likelihood of such hazards occurring. Look at risks which occur not just during the normal operation of the equipment but also during:
- installation
- maintenance
- repairs
- breakdowns
- servicing
Remember the law isn't just for factories, warehouses and building sites. You have responsibilities for equipment if you're running an office, shop, hotel or any business.
See health and safety risk assessment.
Everyone who uses equipment should undergo initial training before using the equipment. They should also attend regular refresher courses. You must provide them with appropriate safety equipment. You should consider whether any specific groups of users might be at risk, young people for example.
There may be additional risks due to the way in which a piece of equipment is powered or heated, such as electricity and gas. Download an electrical safety guide (PDF, 113K).
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Reduce the risks of using workplace equipment
Using signs, training, guidelines, emergency stop buttons, safety guards and protective equipment to minimise residual risks from tools and machinery.
You can minimise the residual risks caused by workplace equipment by implementing measures:
- Buy the right equipment and machinery for the job and ensure it is suitable for the intended use. Having the right tools for a task reduces risks. See purchase the right equipment.
- Provide safety guards on parts of equipment which could cause injury. Use fixed guards where possible and consider which materials are most appropriate.
- Safe for use and properly maintained in a safe condition. Make sure that workers can easily find start and stop buttons, and emergency stop buttons.
- Used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training.
- Put appropriate warning signs on or near the equipment.
- Introduce - and stick to - special working procedures for dangerous equipment.
- Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) if you can't otherwise minimise the risks. See personal protective equipment.
- Provide employees with guidelines on how to minimise risks from heat-producing equipment. This includes ovens and welding equipment. For example, provide PPE such as masks, gloves and heat-resistant aprons. Ensure that employees know how and when to use them.
Regular exposure to high vibrations can be dangerous. Download a health risks from hand-arm vibration guide (PDF, 154K).
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Equipment maintenance and checks for safety
Regularly checking your equipment and carrying out necessary maintenance is a crucial part of minimising workplace risks and legal requirement.
A maintenance schedule should be in place to ensure that you maintain your equipment regularly. You should check equipment as often as suggested by the manufacturer or more often if indicated by the risk assessment. Any daily checks should be undertaken as recommended by the manufacturer. This will help prevent problems such as blockages, leaks or breakdowns, which can increase risks.
You'll also need to maintain safety devices around the equipment such as guards, alarms, safety cages and warning signs.
The duty to maintain work equipment and take measures to manage the risks from maintenance (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) builds on the general duties of the Health and Safety at Work Act, which requires work equipment to be maintained so that it is safe, and work to be undertaken safely, so far as reasonably practicable.
If you use heat-producing equipment you should regularly check the environment around it. You must keep floors clear. There must be adequate ventilation at all times. You also need to remove all combustible materials from the area and regularly maintain and check fire detectors.
Equipment checks required by law
Some types of equipment - require examinations by law in addition to normal repair and servicing. This is known as thorough examinations by a competent person, Examples include gas appliances, lifting equipment, pressure systems and power presses. You need to keep the certificates and records of such checks, detailing the findings and any repair work.
See appoint a competent person for health and safety.
How to check equipment safely
If any equipment is to be checked or repaired, it should always be turned off and isolated so no one can start it in error.
Most equipment now comes with guidelines for maintenance. This includes advice on how to carry out equipment checks safely.
Many businesses use documented procedures for maintenance and repair work, such as a permit to work scheme. You can also use warning signs to remind workers that equipment is temporarily out of use. You could also user a lock out system. This means the person doing the maintenance work has a key that prevents the equipment starting up while they work on it.
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Purchase the safest workplace equipment and machinery
Buying the right equipment for the designated task and your legal duties when purchasing machinery and disposing of old equipment.
Buying the correct equipment for the task will reduce the risks involved while carrying it out. Before you buy any work equipment, consider:
- what you will use the equipment for
- who will use it
- where you will keep it and, where and how it will be used
- what training users may need to operate it
- what risks may occur as a result
- how well health and safety risks are controlled by different manufacturers, comparing things such as noise or vibration levels produced
Make sure the manufacturer/supplier is clear about how you intend to use the equipment. Ask the manufacturer/supplier what the residual risks and the operating limits are. This should be part of the documentation received with the equipment.
When you're buying new equipment it's worth considering:
- whether there are any dangerous parts and if so whether any guards are supplied with the equipment
- how any emergency-stop buttons work
- whether the environment in which you plan to operate the machinery is suitable for the levels of dust, fumes, noise or vibration it may cause
- whether there are clear instructions and manuals for installation and maintenance
You must make sure that equipment:
- is safe to use
- is free from any obvious defect and complete (eg guards and other safety equipment are not missing) unless it is supplied to be incorporated into another machine
- is provided with clear instructions
- carries CE marking and has a Declaration of Conformity, which shows that key health and safety standards have been met
- produces the least possible vibration in doing the work required - find information on vibration levels in the manufacturer's manual
If you have any concerns about safety, discuss them with the manufacturer or supplier before you go any further.
Download buying new machinery guidance (PDF, 110K).
Disposing of old equipment
When dealing with old equipment, you must ensure it is safely and properly handled, stored, transported and recovered or disposed of. This is your duty of care for waste. There are certain laws for disposing of hazardous or electrical waste. See duty of care for business waste.
You may also consider recycling or refurbishing the equipment. Browse reuse and recycle business waste.
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Use hand-held tools safely
Minimising and managing risks from using hand-held tools, including protecting against hand-arm vibration by assessing the risks and taking appropriate action.
Anyone who uses a hand-held tool or holds materials being worked by hand-fed machines may be at risk of injury, either accidentally, through misuse or through equipment failure.
Hand-arm vibration syndrome
Hand-arm vibration is caused by the use of hand-operated power tools. Employees who regularly use these could suffer permanent injury known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). This can cause severe pain and permanent loss of feeling in the fingers and hands.
There are many types of equipment that can cause HAVS, including:
- chainsaws
- power hammers
- hand-held power drills
- sander
- lawnmowers
- strimmers
- road drills
- hand-fed equipment, e.g. pedestal linishers, grinders, mops
Download the guide to health risks from hand-arm vibration (PDF, 154K). To find out about vibration and repetitive strain injury (RSI), see prevent repetitive strain injury at work.
Reducing risks from hand-held tools
Apart from hand-arm vibration, there's a range of other risks for employees when using hand-held tools. For example, noise, puncture wounds and cuts caused by sharp equipment such as:
- scissors
- needles
- paper guillotines
- knives
- chisels
- saws
- planes
- screwdrivers
As far as possible, use guards and provide protective clothing, eg masks, ear defenders and gloves. Organise the use of tools during work operations and their storage when not in use.
Heat-producing equipment such as blowtorches and irons can cause burns and permanent scarring. Always provide protective clothing and regularly test equipment to make sure it's safe.
To minimise injury from employees using hand-held tools, you should:
- assess and then manage the risks involved
- make sure the tools are suitable for the task and are well-maintained
- train all employees to use and store the equipment appropriately
- plan work schedules to minimise vibration exposures and make sure exposures are below the ELV
- consider whether employees could use different equipment which poses fewer risks
- provide health surveillance when exposures are at or above the EAV and in other circumstances where there is risk, for example, after diagnosis of HAVS and exposure continues but below the EAV
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Workplace equipment risk assessment
In this guide:
- Safety of workplace machinery, equipment and tools
- Types of work equipment in safety law
- Work equipment safety - your legal duties
- Workplace equipment risk assessment
- Reduce the risks of using workplace equipment
- Equipment maintenance and checks for safety
- Purchase the safest workplace equipment and machinery
- Use hand-held tools safely
Types of work equipment in safety law
Types of equipment covered by the law and the definition of machinery in sectors such as manufacturing, building, construction, offices and transport.
Employers must ensure that all work equipment is safe and doesn't pose a hazard or risk to employee health.
Workplace equipment in industry sectors
Many industry sectors use workplace equipment. This includes those using heavy machinery, such as:
- manufacturing
- agriculture
- construction
- forestry
- quarries
The rules also apply to all other workplaces, such as:
- offices
- shops
- hotels
- engineering businesses
- car repair services
Employers must ensure that those using equipment have enough knowledge and training to use it safely.
Examples of workplace equipment
The regulations cover many types of equipment, including:
- manufacturing - including welding tools, production lines, furnaces, machine tools, circular saws, power presses and lifting equipment
- building and construction - items such as hand-held power tools, ladders, hammers, drills, knives and screwdrivers
- offices - items such as computers and photocopiers
- workplace and off-road vehicles - including dumper and forklift trucks, tractors, rail and road haulage vehicles
Equipment with moving parts and some kind of drive unit is normally known as machinery. Download buying new machinery guidance (PDF, 110K).
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Work equipment safety - your legal duties
What the law requires you to do to ensure your equipment is safe - from maintenance to assessing risks through inspection and taking appropriate action.
You must ensure work equipment is safe under:
- the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)
- the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations.
In particular equipment must be:
- suitable for the job
- maintained to keep it safe at all times
- inspected at suitable intervals if wear and tear might cause risks
- inspected before first use if the equipment's safety depends on how it was set up
- assessed for levels of noise and vibration operators and others are exposed to
There are also further duties if you buy machinery. See purchase the safest workplace equipment and machinery.
You'll need to assess the risks of using the equipment as part of your overall health and safety risk assessment. See health and safety risk assessment.
If your risk assessment highlights any potential problems, you must make sure you minimise these risks. You may need to:
- remove the risk or change the item to a safer one
- provide suitable protective guards, emergency stop buttons and warning notices
- develop new work processes or find other ways to limit regular exposure to high noise and vibration levels
- minimise risks by introducing instruction manuals, training and refresher courses
- provide suitable personal protective equipment
The rules also cover mobile work equipment such as dumper trucks and forklift vehicles.
You must make sure that you minimise risks for passengers, drivers and anyone near the vehicle. This may involve fitting seat belts, exterior lights and warning alarms that can be heard outside the vehicle. Download a guide to managing vehicle safety in the workplace (PDF, 374K).
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Workplace equipment risk assessment
Identify hazards posed by tools and equipment, and assess the likelihood of accidents occurring and use your risk assessment to identify actions to take.
There are many hazards involved in the use of workplace equipment. For example:
- Cutting equipment could cause trapping or amputation of limbs.
- A forklift truck could roll over. This could cause crush injuries.
- Equipment that uses heat could cause injuries such as scalding and burns. This includes ovens, grills and welding equipment.
- Equipment that emits very bright light could cause damage to skin or eyes. This includes lasers or sources of ultraviolet light.
- Equipment that transmits vibrations into the hand or arm (HAV), or whole body (WBV) could cause long-term illness or disability. This includes grinding equipment and tractors.
- Certain equipment where people have to work in confined spaces can pose a risk of asphyxiation. For example storage tanks that could develop an unbreathable atmosphere or fill up with noxious fumes.
Download exposure to HAV guidance (PDF, 154K).
Assess the risks
Your risk assessment needs to assess the likelihood of such hazards occurring. Look at risks which occur not just during the normal operation of the equipment but also during:
- installation
- maintenance
- repairs
- breakdowns
- servicing
Remember the law isn't just for factories, warehouses and building sites. You have responsibilities for equipment if you're running an office, shop, hotel or any business.
See health and safety risk assessment.
Everyone who uses equipment should undergo initial training before using the equipment. They should also attend regular refresher courses. You must provide them with appropriate safety equipment. You should consider whether any specific groups of users might be at risk, young people for example.
There may be additional risks due to the way in which a piece of equipment is powered or heated, such as electricity and gas. Download an electrical safety guide (PDF, 113K).
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Reduce the risks of using workplace equipment
Using signs, training, guidelines, emergency stop buttons, safety guards and protective equipment to minimise residual risks from tools and machinery.
You can minimise the residual risks caused by workplace equipment by implementing measures:
- Buy the right equipment and machinery for the job and ensure it is suitable for the intended use. Having the right tools for a task reduces risks. See purchase the right equipment.
- Provide safety guards on parts of equipment which could cause injury. Use fixed guards where possible and consider which materials are most appropriate.
- Safe for use and properly maintained in a safe condition. Make sure that workers can easily find start and stop buttons, and emergency stop buttons.
- Used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training.
- Put appropriate warning signs on or near the equipment.
- Introduce - and stick to - special working procedures for dangerous equipment.
- Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) if you can't otherwise minimise the risks. See personal protective equipment.
- Provide employees with guidelines on how to minimise risks from heat-producing equipment. This includes ovens and welding equipment. For example, provide PPE such as masks, gloves and heat-resistant aprons. Ensure that employees know how and when to use them.
Regular exposure to high vibrations can be dangerous. Download a health risks from hand-arm vibration guide (PDF, 154K).
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Equipment maintenance and checks for safety
Regularly checking your equipment and carrying out necessary maintenance is a crucial part of minimising workplace risks and legal requirement.
A maintenance schedule should be in place to ensure that you maintain your equipment regularly. You should check equipment as often as suggested by the manufacturer or more often if indicated by the risk assessment. Any daily checks should be undertaken as recommended by the manufacturer. This will help prevent problems such as blockages, leaks or breakdowns, which can increase risks.
You'll also need to maintain safety devices around the equipment such as guards, alarms, safety cages and warning signs.
The duty to maintain work equipment and take measures to manage the risks from maintenance (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) builds on the general duties of the Health and Safety at Work Act, which requires work equipment to be maintained so that it is safe, and work to be undertaken safely, so far as reasonably practicable.
If you use heat-producing equipment you should regularly check the environment around it. You must keep floors clear. There must be adequate ventilation at all times. You also need to remove all combustible materials from the area and regularly maintain and check fire detectors.
Equipment checks required by law
Some types of equipment - require examinations by law in addition to normal repair and servicing. This is known as thorough examinations by a competent person, Examples include gas appliances, lifting equipment, pressure systems and power presses. You need to keep the certificates and records of such checks, detailing the findings and any repair work.
See appoint a competent person for health and safety.
How to check equipment safely
If any equipment is to be checked or repaired, it should always be turned off and isolated so no one can start it in error.
Most equipment now comes with guidelines for maintenance. This includes advice on how to carry out equipment checks safely.
Many businesses use documented procedures for maintenance and repair work, such as a permit to work scheme. You can also use warning signs to remind workers that equipment is temporarily out of use. You could also user a lock out system. This means the person doing the maintenance work has a key that prevents the equipment starting up while they work on it.
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Purchase the safest workplace equipment and machinery
Buying the right equipment for the designated task and your legal duties when purchasing machinery and disposing of old equipment.
Buying the correct equipment for the task will reduce the risks involved while carrying it out. Before you buy any work equipment, consider:
- what you will use the equipment for
- who will use it
- where you will keep it and, where and how it will be used
- what training users may need to operate it
- what risks may occur as a result
- how well health and safety risks are controlled by different manufacturers, comparing things such as noise or vibration levels produced
Make sure the manufacturer/supplier is clear about how you intend to use the equipment. Ask the manufacturer/supplier what the residual risks and the operating limits are. This should be part of the documentation received with the equipment.
When you're buying new equipment it's worth considering:
- whether there are any dangerous parts and if so whether any guards are supplied with the equipment
- how any emergency-stop buttons work
- whether the environment in which you plan to operate the machinery is suitable for the levels of dust, fumes, noise or vibration it may cause
- whether there are clear instructions and manuals for installation and maintenance
You must make sure that equipment:
- is safe to use
- is free from any obvious defect and complete (eg guards and other safety equipment are not missing) unless it is supplied to be incorporated into another machine
- is provided with clear instructions
- carries CE marking and has a Declaration of Conformity, which shows that key health and safety standards have been met
- produces the least possible vibration in doing the work required - find information on vibration levels in the manufacturer's manual
If you have any concerns about safety, discuss them with the manufacturer or supplier before you go any further.
Download buying new machinery guidance (PDF, 110K).
Disposing of old equipment
When dealing with old equipment, you must ensure it is safely and properly handled, stored, transported and recovered or disposed of. This is your duty of care for waste. There are certain laws for disposing of hazardous or electrical waste. See duty of care for business waste.
You may also consider recycling or refurbishing the equipment. Browse reuse and recycle business waste.
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Use hand-held tools safely
Minimising and managing risks from using hand-held tools, including protecting against hand-arm vibration by assessing the risks and taking appropriate action.
Anyone who uses a hand-held tool or holds materials being worked by hand-fed machines may be at risk of injury, either accidentally, through misuse or through equipment failure.
Hand-arm vibration syndrome
Hand-arm vibration is caused by the use of hand-operated power tools. Employees who regularly use these could suffer permanent injury known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). This can cause severe pain and permanent loss of feeling in the fingers and hands.
There are many types of equipment that can cause HAVS, including:
- chainsaws
- power hammers
- hand-held power drills
- sander
- lawnmowers
- strimmers
- road drills
- hand-fed equipment, e.g. pedestal linishers, grinders, mops
Download the guide to health risks from hand-arm vibration (PDF, 154K). To find out about vibration and repetitive strain injury (RSI), see prevent repetitive strain injury at work.
Reducing risks from hand-held tools
Apart from hand-arm vibration, there's a range of other risks for employees when using hand-held tools. For example, noise, puncture wounds and cuts caused by sharp equipment such as:
- scissors
- needles
- paper guillotines
- knives
- chisels
- saws
- planes
- screwdrivers
As far as possible, use guards and provide protective clothing, eg masks, ear defenders and gloves. Organise the use of tools during work operations and their storage when not in use.
Heat-producing equipment such as blowtorches and irons can cause burns and permanent scarring. Always provide protective clothing and regularly test equipment to make sure it's safe.
To minimise injury from employees using hand-held tools, you should:
- assess and then manage the risks involved
- make sure the tools are suitable for the task and are well-maintained
- train all employees to use and store the equipment appropriately
- plan work schedules to minimise vibration exposures and make sure exposures are below the ELV
- consider whether employees could use different equipment which poses fewer risks
- provide health surveillance when exposures are at or above the EAV and in other circumstances where there is risk, for example, after diagnosis of HAVS and exposure continues but below the EAV
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