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Introduction
An employer is required to comply with health and safety requirements as specified in legislation. All work premises have to undergo inspections.
As a part of this, an employer must register with the appropriate authority at least one month prior to the commencement of trade. If the employer has employees in an office or shop, it should register with the local council - usually with the Environmental Health Department. If the employer has a factory, it must register with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
The HSE and local councils can provide advice. Their aim is to ensure that risks to people's health and safety from work activities are properly controlled and will generally work constructively with you to try to improve health and safety. Your local Business Link can also provide help and advice.
In some situations, the HSE is also concerned with the way work affects the environment and with other people who may be harmed by the way work is done - for example, because they live near a factory.
On 1 April 2008, the Health and Safety Commission merged with the Health & Safety Executive. The HSE is now the single national regulatory body responsible for promoting the cause of better health and safety at work. Details of forthcoming changes to legislation in 2008 can be found by visiting the HSE website. Changes that arise from within the UK will be implemented on only two dates each year - 6 April and 1 October. Legislation arising from Europe will be implemented at the same times wherever possible.
The HSE has a confidential information line for advice that can be used by both employers and employees - 0845 345 0055.
The HSE has also developed a page on its website specifically for new small businesses. This page brings together information that is particularly relevant and of interest to new small businesses. To access this page, click here.
Occupational stress is increasingly being recognised as having a major impact on employee well-being. Bullying behaviour will certainly cause stress among employees. Further information can be found by clicking on the link below.