Health

Health and safety is vital in a workplace and can protect and even improve the health of it's employees.

The UK's health and safety laws cover everything from the lighting, temperature and ventilation of a workplace, to the provision of first aid facilities.

So how does your workplace rate? Answer the following questions to find out and use the tips in italics to create a list of issues to raise with your employer.

QUESTIONS

1. Let's start with your work area. Is there sufficient space to work comfortably?

a)Yes, I have plenty of room (5 points)

b)No, my work area is tiny and cramped (0 points)

Your work area could be improved

c)It's OK but could be improved (2 points)

Your work area could be improved

More on working space

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 state that employees need adequate working space to carry out the tasks they are responsible for. This means you need sufficient space to move about the work area and to access your work station safely. You also need sufficient space to store work equipment including files and documents that you need to use for your work. For more detailed information, see useful links at the end of this tool.

2. A workplace shouldn’t be cooler than 16C, how would you rate the temperature and ventilation in your workplace?

a)Just right (5 points)

b)Too hot and stuffy (0 points)

The temperature needs addressing

c)Changeable and unpredictable (2 points)

The temperature needs addressing

d)Cold and draughty (0 points)

The temperature needs addressing

More on workplace temperature

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 state that: 'During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.'

However, this depends on the type of workplace and whether it is a bakery, a cold store, an office or a warehouse. For more detailed information relevant to your workplace, see useful links at the end of this tool.

3. How would you rate the lighting in the workplace?

a)Just right (5 points)

b)Overly bright (0 points)

The lighting needs adjustment

c)Too dark (0 points)

The lighting needs adjustment

More on lighting

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 recognises that different  levels of lighting are required for different types of work – close, accurate work such as soldering a control panel will require higher light levels than walking down a corridor. However, a number of different factors need to be considered such as colour, contrast, glare and so on. For more detailed information on what is appropriate for your workplace, see useful links at the end of this tool.

4. Which of the following can you control? You can pick one or more

a)Heating (2 points)

Request a health and safety assessment

b)Lighting (2 points)

Request a health and safety assessment

c)Ventilation (2 points)

Request a health and safety assessment

d)Chair height (2 points)

Request a health and safety assessment

e)None of these (0 points)

Request a health and safety assessment