What you must do

You must protect the health and safety of your workers and others who might be affected by you work. Health and safety is about sensible, proportionate actions that protect people - not unnecessary bureaucracy and paperwork.

This 10-point list shows some of the key actions required by law that apply to nearly every business. Click on the links for practical advice to help you comply, protect your workers and to find out about any exemptions.

number one Register a new business with the Health and Safety Executive or your local authority, depending on the sort of business you have.

number two Take out Employers’ Liability Compulsory Insurance and display the certificate.

number three Make sure you have someone competent to help you meet your health and safety duties. This does not have to be an external consultant.

number four Decide how you are going to manage health and safety. This is your health and safety policy.

number five Decide what could harm people and what precautions to take. This is your risk assessment.

You must act on the findings of you risk assessment, by putting sensible controls in place to prevent accidents and ill health and making sure they are followed.

number six Provide basic welfare facilities, such as toilets, washing facilities and drinking water.

number seven Provide free health and safety training for your workers.

number eight Consult your workers on health and safety.

number nine Display the health and safety law poster or give workers a leaflet with the information.

number ten Report some work-related accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences.