Health and Safety
Health and Safety is about managing a building in a way that minimises the risks to people who use it.
Health and Safety is a complex area involving legal responsibilities. Make sure that you research all areas fully. Official guidance can be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This should be your first port of call if you require any clarifications.
This guidance focuses on the key aspects of Health and Safety to consider as you move into a new building. This is not comprehensive or exhaustive. Please check official HSE guidance on each issue to make sure you do not miss any details.
You are responsible for Health and Safety in a development from the moment you gain possession of the building. Before this point the construction company has responsibility. Prepare and complete your research before this point so that you are ready straight away.
Health and Safety considerations should run through the whole process from design through to operation. Make sure staff are trained to consider the Health and Safety implications in all decisions they make. A building is a dynamic environment with people and equipment constantly circulating. Carelessness and thoughtlessness are a significant cause of accidents. These cannot be eradicated completely but will be reduced if your staff team is aware of potential dangers.
At the design stage your architects and design team should advise on current Health and Safety regulations that must be considered in the plan. The most important consideration is ensuring sufficient fire exits. The local fire authority can provide guidance and will issue a fire safety certificate once they are satisfied with the arrangements that are in place.
You must ensure that the building has a working fire alarm and an adequate number of fire extinguishes. A company should be contracted to maintain both the alarm and extinguishers on a quarterly basis. You must designate an assembly point away from the building. Everyone who uses the building regularly should be aware of fire procedures. Drills should be conducted to make sure that evacuation happens quickly and smoothly. This is particularly important when the building first opens and whenever there is a significant increase in users. Drills should be evaluated for errors and delays, with changes made to procedure as appropriate.
You should keep a record of the people in the building at any one time. In the event of fire this will give the fire fighters information on who is still in the building. This can be tied into your access system (see Security). If you have tenants consult with them on fire procedure and encourage them to designate a fire marshal for their office.
All buildings should have first-aiders on site at all times. Ideally all staff should be trained. This avoids complications when organising shift patterns and planning annual leave. An accident book for the building should record all incidents. This will help identify any recurring issues and help you resolve them.
The building should be comfortable and safe at all times for people using it. This means noise, heat and light levels should be at acceptable levels. Try to ensure you have contingency plans for technical failures so that you can respond quickly.
As an employer you have a duty of care towards your employees. This means protecting their physical and mental well being while in the workplace. Make sure you comply with legal regulations (such as the working time directive) and that support is provided in stressful situations.
The aim of this guidance is to give general advice and information on how to think about Health and Safety issues. For comprehensive guidance see the free publications available from the HSE.
Avoid taking Health and Safety lightly. A serious accident in your development could be very costly in both financial and human terms. Risk cannot be eliminated completely but it can be reduced.
HSE guidance on:
Construction
First Aid
Regulations
Managing Health and Safety
Office work
Small Firms
Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare