Self Employment

[BAJR]

Thats the rub... all that is required... is er... obeying the law! So the IfA don't really need to tell companies what they should already legally be doing.... Neither do I... however, it does seem I have to from time to time...

Take for example a simple H&S requirement....

All employers, whatever the size of the business, must:

• make the workplace safe
  
• prevent risks to health
  
• ensure that plant and machinery is safe to use, and that safe working practices are set up and followed
  
• make sure that all materials are handled, stored and used safely
  
• provide adequate first aid facilities
  
• tell you about any potential hazards from the work you do, chemicals and other substances used by the firm, and give you information, instructions, training and supervision as needed
  
• set up emergency plans
  
• make sure that ventilation, temperature, lighting, and toilet, washing and rest facilities all meet health, safety and welfare requirements
  
• check that the right work equipment is provided and is properly used and regularly maintained
  
• prevent or control exposure to substances that may damage your health
  
• take precautions against the risks caused by flammable or explosive hazards, electrical equipment, noise and radiation
  
• avoid potentially dangerous work involving manual handling and if it can't be avoided, take precautions to reduce the risk of injury
  
• provide health supervision as needed
  
• provide protective clothing or equipment free of charge if risks can't be removed or adequately controlled by any other means
  
• ensure that the right warning signs are provided and looked after
  
• report certain accidents, injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences to either the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the local authority, depending on the type of business
  

So that the work premises provide a safe and healthy place to work, your employer should:

• make sure that workplaces are properly ventilated, with clean and fresh air
  
• keep temperatures at a comfortable level - a minimum of 13 degrees C where the work involves physical activity or 16 degrees C for 'sedentary' workplaces eg offices but there's no maximum limit
  
• light premises so that employees can work and move about safely
  
• keep the workplace and equipment clean
  
• ensure that workrooms are big enough to allow easy movement with at least 11 cubic metres per person
  
• provide workstations to suit the employees and the work
  
• keep the workplace and equipment in good working order
  
• make floors, walkways, stairs, roadways etc safe to use
  
• protect people from falling from height or into dangerous substances
  
• store things so they are unlikely to fall and cause injuries
  
• fit openable windows, doors and gates with safety devices if needed
  
• provide suitable washing facilities and clean drinking water
  
• if necessary, provide somewhere for employees to get changed and to store their own clothes
  
• set aside areas for rest breaks and to eat meals, including suitable facilities for pregnant women and nursing mothers
  
• let employees take appropriate rest breaks and their correct holiday entitlement
  
• make sure that employees who work alone, or off-site, can do so safely and healthily
  

You also have responsibilities for your own health and safety at work. You can refuse to do something that isn't safe without being threatened with disciplinary action.
If you think your employer isn't meeting their responsibilities, talk to them first. Your safety representative or a trade union official may be able to help you with this. As a last resort, you may need to report your employer to the Health and Safety Executive or to the environmental health department of your local authority.
If you are dismissed for refusing to undertake an unsafe working practice, you may have a right to claim unfair dismissal at an Employment Tribunal.


THats not guidance... not a standard to be aspired to... its the law... its a requirement... it is enforceable... with a slightly harsher penalty than being reassessed for RO status.






Lets be absolutely clear...


Welfare facilities

Toilets, wash-hand basins, shower and washing facilities

You must provide:

• clean well-ventilated toilets (separate for men and women unless each convenience has its own lockable door);
  
• wash basins with hot and cold (or warm) running water;
  
• showers for dirty work which may result in contamination of the skin;
  
• soap and towels (or a hand drier).
  

Drinking water

You must supply high-quality drinking water, with and upward drinking jet or suitable cups. Drinking water does not have to be marked unless there is a significant risk of people drinking non-drinking water.
Accommodation for clothing and changing facilities

You must provide lockers or hanging space for clothing and changing facilities where workers wear special clothing. The facilities should allow for drying clothes.
Facilities to rest and eat meals

You must provide places to eat, and rest facilities if you have pregnant women and nursing mothers on your staff.


If you are on a site that does not provide these then they are breaking the law... simple... no ifs or buts... but an offence is committed. Perhaps it is time to start taking a bit of personal responsibility... and think about the unions as your backup.


No offence IfA the standards and guidance are good, but basicly, they are telling people to obey the law of the land. and we must all ensure this happens. :face-confused: