Healthy and safe working environment
How to ensure that you provide a health working environment for your employees, including ventilation, lighting and space.
You have a legal duty to ensure a healthy working environment for your staff. You must make sure there is:
- good ventilation - a supply of fresh, clean air drawn from outside or a ventilation system - see ventilation in the workplace
- a reasonable working temperature - see safe working temperatures
- lighting suitable for the work being carried out
- enough room, space and suitable workstations and seating
- a clean workplace with appropriate waste containers
Safe working environment
To keep your workplace safe you must:
- properly maintain your premises and work equipment
- keep floors and traffic routes free from obstruction - see avoid trips and slips in the workplace
- have windows that can be opened and also cleaned safely
- make sure that any transparent (eg glass) doors or walls are protected or made of safety material
Working environment risks
Consider some of the following ways to reduce work environment risks:
- Computer health and safety at work - consider equipment, training and workstation design to prevent injuries for computer users. Task design and breaks are also important.
- Personal protective equipment can help reduce the harm from the working environment risks such as heat, noise and vibration.
- Manage the risks of diseases, allergens and infections in the workplace by providing the correct toilet and washing facilities. Consider equipment and procedures for high-risk work.
- Consider the health and safety for people working outdoors. You are responsible for a safe and healthy working environment, even if it is off-site.
- Ensure your employees work safely at height or in a confined space. Use the right procedures and equipment to reduce risks.
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