Safety in the workplace

This section deals with the main safety issues that can arise in the workplace.

This section includes:

• accidents - the nature and cost of accidents, what to do in the event of an accident and how to conduct an investigation.

• confined spaces - what a confined space is, the hazards associated with confined space working and the management systems needed to ensure that all such work is carried out safely.

• electrical safety - managing hazardous situations, putting controls in place to minimise the risks of electrical shock.

• fire safety - the threat of fire to businesses, how to assess and to manage the risks and the implications of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.

• first aid - the requirements for the provision of first aid and for the numbers of first aiders and appointed persons.

• lifting operations - the safety risks from lifting equipment provided for use at work.

• machinery safety - the principles of machinery safety and how to manage maintenance tasks together with CE marking and requirements for second-hand machinery.

• slips, trips and falls - a five-step approach to managing risks from slips and trips including a checklist of effective control measures.

• transport safety - the risks from transport whether in the workplace or on the public highway. This chapter addresses risk assessment, work and journey planning, driver licence checks, vehicle maintenance and mobile phones.

• working at height - what is meant by working at height and how you can comply with the Work At Height Regulations 2005