As an employer, you're responsible for the health and safety of your employees while they're on your premises or working for your company.  The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 is the main piece of legislation that covers the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees.

First of all, you have a legal responsibility to make your workplace as safe as possible for all staff. This covers a range of activities from maintaining a safe work environment, to ensuring machinery and equipment meets certain standards, to creating safe work systems and developing procedures to deal with any emergencies.

Part of the Act deals with "Hazard Management". A hazard is identified as a thing that may cause injury or harm to another person, for instance: dangerous chemicals or flammable liquids. Employers must identify, assess, control and monitor hazards.

A "hazard" might be part of the work process, such as machines noise or toxic substances. But a hazard can also be an animal, mental stress, or falling from a great height.

The law does not require you to have a formal written health and safety policy. However, in some workplaces this may be necessary to ensure all employees understand the systems and procedures for dealing with emergencies.

You're also responsible for any contractor or workers from other companies who are employed on your site, and any volunteers working for you.

Your employees need to be given the opportunity to be involved in the management of health and safety. In most workplaces this takes the form of a dedicated health and safety committee who notify, rectify and educate about health and safety in your office. Health and safety representatives from each section of the company represent the employees on the committee.

Often, disputes arise when accidents occur and employees feel the employer hasn't taken "all practicable steps" to control hazards. This is when a good lawyer specializing in employment law can be an important asset. Of course, the best way to keep your business out of trouble is to make sure all your health and safety practices comply with the Act. If you're unsure about any facet of the Health and Safety in Employment Act, contact an employment lawyer today.

Smith and Partners are a law firm specializing in business and corporate law. From complex employment law to buying a house, we've got a team of experts ready to give you expert advice.