HSE Inspection

An Inspector Calls! Don't Panic!

What can you expect if An Inspector Calls? As a member and having been through our 'Self Assessment' you will most likely be in a position to supply them with all of the information they require. However, with our inside knowledge of what they will be looking for, we have listed about everything they would ask on their visit below:

Accident Reporting Do you have means of recording accidents? If so where is it? Have you reported any accidents in the last 12 months to the enforcing authority?(HSE or local environmental health officer).

Asbestos Have you any identified areas of asbestos in the workplace? If so what precautions have been taken to prevent this becoming damaged or disturbed by your employees or contractors?

Chemicals / Substances:  If you use hazardous substances, have you listed them and stored them correctly? Are manufacturers' or suppliers' data sheets available for inspection? Are employees trained in their use and do they use appropriate PPE? Have you undertaken a COSHH  (control of substances hazardous to health) assessment and is it documented for inspection?

Display Screen Equipment Do staff who spend time using computers, monitors or TV screens for continuous periods of more than one hour. monitor their time in front of the screen and keep their workstations free of clutter, well lit and free from glare? Do they use the appropriate chair and wrist support?

Electricity Any portable electrical appliances should be regularly maintained by a competent person. Systems should be in place to check damage to cables, plugs etc.

Employer's Liability Insurance

Employer's Liability Insurance  is a legal requirement for all businesses that employ people, this is to ensure that the employer is properly covered for legal liability in the event of an employee being injured at work. The Employer's Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 requires that you have at least a minimum level of insurance cover against any such claims.

Falls from Heights Do you have any pits or openings in the floor area, if so are they guarded or signed? Do you have raised areas/mezzanine floors, and if so are they guarded to prevent people or objects falling over the edge. Do the stairs have handrails?  Is access or work required on any fragile roof? (Asbestos cement/perspex)? Are there warning signs notifying people of dangerous areas?

Fire   Have you completed a Fire Risk Assessment of your premises? The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 replaced most fire safety legislation with one simple order. Any one with some level of control over  premises must take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire. Fire authorities no longer issue fire certificates and those previously in force will have no legal status. You must now carry out a fire risk assessment, any fire certificates you may have may be a useful starting point.

First Aid  Who is your nominated person or trained first aider? Do you know where your first aid boxes are situated? Does everybody else know?

Health and Safety Policy

A Health and Safety Policy is a document outlining how health and safety in your workplace is maintained and developed. Your safety policy is a working document, which will help you to clarify responsibilities and develop safety procedures. The policy can also help you to communicate your safety procedures to others.

You must have a written safety policy if you have 5 or more employees (The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 - Section 2(3)). The health and safety policy should be made available to employees and anyone affected by work activities, such as contractors and visitors.

Manual Handling Has a manual handling assessment been carried out for each of your key tasks?  What instructions/training has been provided to the work force? What steps have been taken to eliminate or reduce the risks from manual handling? What lifting equipment is used in your workplace? Are lifting machines examined regularly by a competent person?

Noise If the workplace is noisy have you taken steps to protect the staff in the working areas concerned? Have you documented a noise survey and if necessary issued hearing protection. Are there blue (mandatory) noise signs displayed in your noisy areas?

Repetitive Manual Tasks Do staff undertaking repetitive tasks e.g. packing, assemble, loading, use of hand-tools have training in appropriate and safe ways to do the task and reduce injury?

Risk Assessment Have you completed any Risk Assessments? Are you aware of your principal hazards and risks? Do you regularly review your risk assessments? What actions have you taken as a result of any risk assessments made? Are all employees aware of the risk assessments and their results?

Transport in the Work Place Do you use fork lift trucks (FLTs)? Do operators have necessary authorisation and training? Do FLTs have audible alarms and/or flashing lights? Do goods vehicles enter the site on a regular basis if so what size are they? Are pedestrians segregated from vehicle movements or other safety measures in place? Are roadways well lit, good surfaces, tidy? What other control measure do you take? e.g. mirrors, CCTV on vehicles, reflective jackets. 

"Good Housekeeping" Tips Is your workplace tidy, do you make good use of space? Are floors kept clear from trailing leads, materials on floor, spills etc? Are floors slip resistant for the conditions, if not is special footwear provided? Who detects and clears up keeping the workplace clean and tidy? Are you making regular inspections to ensure health and safety standards are maintained? Toilets and washing areas provided clean and tidy? Canteen eating area kept clean and tidy? Where do you get health and safety information from?

Should you have any questions arising from the above information, our 'Experts' are always on hand to help.