You have a legal duty to report accidents and ill-health at work. These include:

• death or major injury
• an over seven day injury (where someone is unable to work for over seven days)
• work related disease and dangerous occurrences.

To report an incident telephone the contact centre on 0845 3009923, visit the HSE website (external site) or report it using the online form (external site)

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In general the local authority are the enforcing authority for health and safety in premises such as retail outlets, warehouses, leisure and catering premises and accommodation etc.

The Health and Safety Executive in Leeds are the enforcing authority for industrial type businesses etc manufacturing, construction and agriculture.

If you are unsure please call the HSE's information line on 0845 345 0055

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After you have carried out a general risk assessment you will need to also consider more specific hazards:

1. Chemicals and hazardous substances

Using chemicals or other hazardous substances such as biological agents at work can cause health effects such as dermatitis, asthma or infection. The Control of Substances Hazardous to health Regulations require employers to control the use of and exposure to such substances. If you are unsure please call the HSE's information line on 0845 345 0055

Irritant	Harmful	Toxic	Very Toxic	Corrosive

Manual handling

There is no set maximum weight that a person can lift at work. If there is a risk of injury to employees from workplace manual handling activities then an assessment is needed to reduce the risk of injury to the lowest level possible. As well as lifting this also includes carrying, lowering, pushing, pulling and moving items. The HSE have produced a Manual handling assessment chart (MAC Tool) (external site) to help you with these assessments.

2. Safe environment

The workplace and equipment must be maintained and in good repair, toilets and washing facilities must be provided. Drinking water must be available and lighting and temperature must be reasonable and comfortable.

Number of people at work	Number of water closets	Number of wash stations
1 to 5	1	1
6 to 25	2	2
26 to 50	3	3
51 to 75	4	4
76 to 100	5	5

3. Work related stress

Stress at work is a major issue. Ill health resulting from stress at work is treated the same as any other work related injury. Employees therefore need to consider stress when assessing possible health hazards associated with the workplace.

The Better Health at Work Team offer a free, confidential advice service on this issue and training for managers and employees on how to deal with stress in the workplace. Visit the Better Health at Work website (external site)

4. Publications

The Health and Safety Executive offer a wide selection of publications containing advice and guidance for employers and workers, most of which can be downloaded for free at HSE publications (external site)

5. Registration and licensing forms

• Application for Registration for the Business of Acupuncture (PDF 16kb)
• Application for Registration for the Business of tattooing/ electrolysis/ cosmetic piercing/ semi-permanent skin-colouring (PDF 115kb)
• Cooling towers and evaporative condensers notification: Contact us
• Caravan site: Form of Particulars to be supplied by Applicant for Site Licence (PDF 15kb)

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If you would like further advice regarding health and safety in your workplace or want to make a complaint about your working conditions please contact us at healthandsafety@kirklees.gov.uk or by ringing 01484 226450

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