Introduction to Health and Safety
Employers must ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare of their employees.
The key pieces of health and safety legislation that employers must comply with are:
- Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000
Getting started
Health and Safety Policy
An employer has a duty to prepare and revise a written statement of general policy regarding the arrangements in place for the health and safety of employees. If your business employs five or more people, this is a mandatory requirement.
Download: Health and safety policy template | Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (hseni.gov.uk)
Risk assessments
Every employer has a duty to conduct a risk assessment of their premises. If you employ 5 or more employees, you have a mandatory duty to provide a documented risk assessment.
In simple terms, this means that you need to prepare a document which details the following:
- The activity (e.g. working at heights, manual handling)
- The potential hazards involved in this activity
- Who may be harmed and how?
- What controls are already in place?
- What further action is required?
- Who is responsible?
Download: Five steps to risk assessment | Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (hseni.gov.uk)
Download: Risk assessment template | Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (hseni.gov.uk)
A list of information leaflets for specific types of premises and hazards which you may find useful when completing your risk assessment can be downloaded from the Downloads section at the bottom of this page.
Accident book
An employer is required to provide an accident book on the premises to record certain accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences which happen to both employees and any other person who may access your premises.
If you need to report an accident, please refer to the "Accidents and Injuries - How to report an accident" section on the Health and Safety page.
For further information please read the RIDDOR (NI) 97 booklet | Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (hseni.gov.uk)
Health and safety poster
An employer is required to provide an approved poster to inform employees of their health, safety and welfare rights. The poster is called "What you need to know." You can order a poster in the following ways:
Telephone: 03332025070
Email: customer.services@tso.co.uk
Online: Health and safety law poster (hse.gov.uk)
For further information please contact Environmental Health on 0300 013 3333 or email h&senquiries@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
The section below provides links to where you can find links to more information relating to Health and Safety Requirements
General Duties
An Introduction to Health & Safety
Health and safety made simple - The basics for your business
Health and Safety Policy
Example health and safety policy
Health and safety policy template
Risk Assessment
Risk assessment template | Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (hseni.gov.uk)
Risk assessment: Template and examples - HSE
Risk assessment: Steps needed to manage risk - HSE
Young people at work - work experience - HSE
Working time directive | Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (hseni.gov.uk)
Protecting pregnant workers and new mothers - HSE
Accident Book/Reporting an accident
Report a dangerous occurrence (NI2508)
Health and Safety Poster
First Aid Kit
Basic advice on first aid at work (hse.gov.uk)
Electrical Duties
Electrical safety standards in the rented sector (niceic.com)
Find a NICEIC registered contractor
Gas Safe Certificate
Gas appliances - get them checked
Understand the Gas Safe ID card
Contractor Safety
Using contractors: A brief guide
Asbestos
Asbestos - 'Duty to manage' information leaflet
Checklist for managing my asbestos
Training
Health and safety training: A brief guide
Display Screen Equipment
Safe use of Display Screen Equipment
DSE workstation assessment checklist
Working with display screen equipment
Manual handling
Manual handling at work: A brief guide
Making the best use of lifting and handling aids
Risk at work - manual handling
Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists
COSHH
COSHH (NI): A brief guide to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2003
COSHH frequently asked questions
Working with substances hazardous to health
Example COSHH risk assessments
Cleaning and waste products
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