All employers need to check their commercial premises are safe to work in. Offices in London are located in a wide range of buildings, from Victorian townhouses to modern skyscrapers, but all must be considered safe and clean for staff and visitors. It’s a legal obligation, and the last thing you need is an expensive lawsuit! With this in mind, it pays to do regular checks of the building to ensure there are no safety issues.

Here at Regional Services we take health and safety very seriously and know our clients do too.  Take a look at this checklist as a starting point for checking health and safety risks.

Electrical safety

Bad wiring or other electrical faults can cause serious injuries, or even death. Make sure that all electrical items are properly checked by a professional, and always hire an electrician to carry out new installations or changes.

Gas safety

Most buildings have a gas appliance, in the form of a gas boiler for heating systems or a gas cooker. All gas appliances pose risks such as gas leaks and explosions, so must be regularly checked. Keeping up with maintenance is crucial for ensuring the office is safe.

Fire safety

All commercial buildings should have a fire risk assessment carried out, and have an approved evacuation plan. As most fires are preventable, it’s essential that fire safety systems are put in place including extinguishers, fire doors and sprinklers.

Housekeeping – slips and trips

A major concern for employers today is the long term impact of any slips and trips in the workplace, or other preventable accidents. Employees are usually successful in bringing these cases to court and winning substantial payouts. Assess the risk of hazards in the office, and make sure floors are not wet or dirty which can cause slips. Ensure good housekeeping with a contract cleaning company.

Noise prevention

How loud is your office? This can impact safety. A noisy working environment caused by machinery or musical equipment can cause hearing loss. The noise level may not seem important but a lot of people are now claiming against past employers who did not protect their hearing.

Welfare

Take good care of your staff and visitors’ welfare by providing clean, hygienic toilets and hygiene services, and clean and spacious break areas. Also make sure the designated smoking area is not near a doorway or windows which are likely to be opened.

Safety should be your priority – always seek professional advice if you are not sure of your legal responsibilities.