Safety Regulations For New Business Owners To Consider

Starting your own business may appear to be an easy enough process, however there are many complications that you may face along the way.

One of the most important things you should consider when starting up your own business is any health and safety regulations that you must abide by. Following health and safety regulations is essential for the safety of yourself, any employees and also any visitors that you may have in the building.

If you do not follow health and safety regulations, you will be putting all people present in the building at great danger, you will also be risking a prison sentence and huge fines.

Here are some of the health and safety laws that you must consider and abide by:

Workplace Temperatures

There are currently no laws set for the minimum or maximum temperatures of the workplace, however it is stated that the temperatures in all indoor workplaces must be kept reasonable.

Guidance currently suggests that the minimum working temperature should be 16ºC or 13ºC if employees are completing physical work.

Currently in the UK there is no guidance for a maximum temperature limit – however when temperatures become extremely hot it is advised that you allow employees regular breaks and access to water.

Employers must stick to health and safety at work law including:

• keeping the temperature at a comfortable level
• providing clean and fresh air

If employees are not currently comfortable with the work environment then it is advised that they should speak with their employer.

Smoking at Work

Smoking is not allowed in any enclosed workplace. The penalty for smoking in the workplace is currently set at £200 in England and Wales and £50 in Scotland.

Whilst it is common knowledge that smoking in enclosed areas is against the law, it is the business owners responsibility to make employers aware of the laws in their own business.

Business owners must:

• display ‘no smoking’ signs around the building and in any company vehicles
• provide an outdoor area suitable for smoking
• ensure people do not smoke in enclosed work premises or shared vehicles

Businesses can be fined up to £2,500 if they do not stop people smoking in the workplace or up to £1.000 if they do not display ‘no smoking’ signs.

Fire Safety in the Workplace 

By law, in England and Wales, if you’re an employer then it is your responsibility for fire safety and are known as the ‘responsible person’.

As the responsible person, there are certain things you must do by law under the Fire Safety Order, which is enforced by your local fire and rescue authority.

To abide by fire safety regulations you must:

• carry out and regularly review fire risk assessment of the premises
• advise employees about fire risks you have identified
• put in place various fire safety measures to reduce the chances of fire
• plan for emergencies
• provide employees with information, fire safety instruction and training

By considering and following the above regulations, there is a reduced chance that you will be putting yourself and any employees at risk in your new business. If you have any questions it is advised that you should contact for further information regarding health and safety regulations for businesses.

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