Essentials of a safe working environment

This checklist is to show you just some of the things that are required to make a work place safe, healthy and to provide reasonable welfare facilities for workers and visitors.

Provide suitable working space and work stations
Keep premises clean and avoid overcrowding
Provide suitable and sufficient lighting and ventilation
Provide emergency lighting
Provide adequate and clean sanitary facilities
Provide wash hand basins with hot and cold water, soap, and towel
Ensure that there are safe easy to open skylights and windows
Supply clean and wholesome drinking water
Sedentary workers must have suitable seating
Provide adequate and clean eating facilities
Keep floors, passages and stairs clear
Fence dangerous machinery and put safety devices on them
Provide safety signs and safety information
Supply facilities for clothing storage
Ensure the minimum workroom temperature after the first hour is 18 degrees centigrade
Remove refuse regularly
Avoid trailing wires
Send staff on proper training courses
Service machinery and equipment regularly
Provide and use personal protective equipment
Provide safe vehicle and pedestrian routes

An approved code of practice entitled "Workplace health, safety and welfare" is obtainable from Health and safety executive books . Purchase a copy and put the requirements into action as soon as possible.