Stay Compliant. Stay Protected. A Practical Guide from Privilege HR
When you’re running a small business in the UK, navigating health and safety compliance can feel like one more overwhelming task on your to-do list. But protecting your employees, customers, and reputation isn’t optional, it’s a legal requirement and a key part of running a responsible, resilient business.
At Privilege HR, we offer HR consulting services and small business HR support that go beyond just policies and paperwork. We help UK SMEs build safer, stronger workplaces, and a huge part of that is making sure you’re meeting your health and safety obligations.
Whether you’re looking for HR compliance services, or you simply want peace of mind that your health and safety policies are up to scratch, this checklist will help you get started.
1. Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment
Every UK business must identify and manage workplace hazards under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
- Spot potential risks (e.g. manual handling, fire safety, trip hazards)
- Assess severity and likelihood
- Implement controls and prevention measures
- Keep written records if you have 5+ employees
As part of our HR advisory services, we can help you integrate risk management into your broader HR processes.
2. Appoint a Competent Person
Someone must be assigned to take responsibility for health and safety. This can be the business owner, a team member, or an external health and safety consultant.
This person will:
- Stay up to date with legislation
- Ensure employees follow safe working practices
- Monitor procedures
Our outsourced HR packages often include this as part of ongoing HR support services.
3. Create a Health & Safety Policy
If your business has five or more employees, you are legally required to have a written health and safety policy. It should outline:
- Your company’s safety commitments
- Roles and responsibilities
- How risks are controlled and monitored
HR outsourcing companies like Privilege HR can help you draft a compliant, tailored policy that aligns with your operational needs.
4. Display the Health & Safety Law Poster
The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires this to be clearly displayed in every workplace, or you must provide the approved leaflet to all employees.
As a professional HR services provider, we ensure this and other compliance measures are never overlooked.
5. Provide Health & Safety Training
Training is essential to ensure all staff understand how to stay safe at work. Include:
- Induction training
- Task-specific guidance (e.g., equipment handling, fire safety)
- Regular refresher sessions
Our human resources outsourcing services include training coordination and documentation, so you can demonstrate compliance when it counts.
6. Record & Report Accidents
Maintain a formal accident reporting system, including a physical or digital accident book. Under RIDDOR, certain injuries must be reported to the HSE.
HR compliance services ensure your business stays aligned with RIDDOR reporting requirements and maintains thorough documentation.
7. Provide Adequate First Aid
Every business must have:
- A designated first aider or appointed person
- A fully stocked first aid kit
- Clear signage showing where to access it
Risk level and headcount determine your needs. Our HR consultation team can advise on this as part of your wider risk management plan.
8. Implement Fire Safety Measures
In accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all businesses must:
- Conduct a fire risk assessment
- Install fire alarms, extinguishers, and signage
- Train staff on emergency procedures
We regularly support clients through outsourced HR packages that include fire safety coordination and employee briefings.
9. Maintain Health & Safety Records
Good documentation isn’t just for audits, it keeps your people safe. Maintain:
- Risk assessments
- Training logs
- Incident reports
- Maintenance checks
As a trusted HR outsourcing firm, we help SMEs stay audit-ready at all times.
10. Regularly Review and Update
Don’t treat compliance as a one-off task. You should review your health and safety procedures whenever:
- Your business moves premises
- You hire new staff
- New processes, equipment, or risks are introduced
Our outsourced HR services include routine reviews, updates, and compliance audits so nothing slips through the cracks.
Privilege HR: Your Partner in Health & Safety and HR Compliance
At Privilege HR, we’re more than just an HR outsourcing company, we’re a trusted partner for SMEs that want practical, professional support. From HR compliance services and workplace audits to employee wellbeing strategies, our team helps you build a safe, compliant, and productive business environment.
Need Support?
Let us take the stress out of compliance. Contact Privilege HR to book a Health & Safety Audit, review your existing policies, or access reliable HR support services tailored for UK SMEs.
📞 0333 344 4679