Question Is there a system in place for employees to report health and safety hazards? Reason for This Question A defect log or maintenance book should be available for all staff and service providers to report defects to management. Possible Answers Red: No means of recording defects Amber: A log exists but is not kept up to date i.e. no… read more →

Question Ask a member of the management team about their responsibilities and where to find them documented (i.e. in the health and safety policy), and can they demonstrate a good understanding of requirements? Reason for This Question It is essential that everyone is aware of their H&S responsibilities and are able to explain a couple of examples. Possible Answers Red:… read more →

Question Is a current copy of the Health and Safety Policy Statement signed, dated and displayed on a staff notice board, together with the H&S Law Poster, and Cert of Employees Liability Insurance? Reason for This Question It is a legal requirement under the H&S at Work Act 1974 to display the H&S Policy statement, H&S Law Poster, and Insurance… read more →

Question Is there a Health and Safety Manual available and is it up to date and signed? Reason for This Question A health and safety manual and signatures are necessary to prove that you have a commitment to health and safety and have provided information to your staff. Possible Answers Red: No signatures recorded or evidence of senior management buy… read more →

We are delighted to let you know that we have been specially selected to take part in the programme “Directors Duties: Fit for Business” which is an exciting new television series produced by Collaborative Media for Executive TV. The TV show will identify the key components that make up a health and safety strategy, recognizing the responsibilities of both public… read more →

Question What are the 14 allergens required on food labelling? Answer What is an allergen? An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction? Allergic reaction symptoms can can vary from mild to severe. Symptoms are often mild when you are first exposed to an allergen, but the symptoms can get… read more →

When the Fire Safety Order was introduced in 2006, a legal requirement for all businesses to have a Fire Safety Risk Assessment was introduced, and for this to be “Suitable and Sufficient” and also carried out by “Competent Persons”. In simple terms, that’s the Law and that it what you need to do to fulfil your statutory requirement. However, as… read more →

Question Can I do my own fire safety risk assessment? Answer In simple terms yes, there is no reason why you cannot complete your own fire safety risk assessment. However there are two key aspects of the legislation that you need to make sure that you cover, these are: The Fire Safety Risk Assessment must be completed by a “Competent… read more →

Question Do I need a fire risk assessment? Answer Yes if you are business with 5 or more employees. The Fire Safety Order requires all businesses with 5 or more employees to have a documented fire safety risk assessment. Additional Information Fire Safety Law The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 covers general fire safety in England and Wales. In… read more →

DDS International recently had the pleasure of visiting the Falkland Island to carry out health and safety consultancy work to review the Health, Safety and Environmental compliance of one of our clients. This article is an insight into the trip including pictures (please use the slider at the top of this post to see all the pictures) and also an… read more →