WHAT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY LAWS REQUIRE FOR A WORKPLACE

 
MAINTENANCE
The workplace and equipment, devices and systems in a good working order.

​VENTILATION
Effective and suitable provision for enclosed workplaces - either by fresh or purified air.

​INDOOR TEMPERATURE
During work hours, the temperature inside buildings must be kept at reasonable levels - 16 degrees Centigrade - and where work involves physical effort, 13 degrees Centigrade.

​LIGHTING
Must be suitable and sufficient and, where reasonably practicable, natural.

​CLEANLINESS
All furniture, furnishings and fittings, walls, floors and ceilings, must be kept sufficiently clean.

​WASTE MATERIAL
Waste materials must not accumulate except in suitable receptacles.

​ROOM DIMENSIONS AND SPACE
There must be sufficient floor area, room height and unoccupied space for health, safety and welfare purposes.

​WORK STATIONS
Each station must be arranged so that each task can be carried out safely and comfortably.

​SEATING
Suitable seating must be provided for each worker where appropriate to the work.

​COMPUTERS

• VDU's must have stable, non-flickering images.
• Workers must have periodic breaks from screen work.
• The employer must provide an employee with a free eye test once every 10 years, and the employer must pay for corrective lenses and a basic frame.

​These spectacles must be for VDU work only.

​FALLS, FALLING OBJECTS
Effective measures must be taken to prevent people falling and likely to cause injury, falling into a dangerous substance or being struck by a falling object.

​WINDOWS, SKYLIGHTS AND VENTILATORS
These must be possible to open or adjust safely, and must be designed or constructed for easy cleaning.

​ESCALATORS, MOVING WALKWAYS AND LIFTS
These must function safely and be equipped with necessary safety devices.  These must all be tested regularly.

​SANITARY FACILITIES
There must be suitable convenience and washing facilities and must be readily accessible and these must be adequately ventilated, be well lit and kept clean.  Separate facilities must be provided for men and women.

​DRINKING WATER
A readily accessible supply of drinking water must be provided for all persons.

​CHANGING AREA
There must be suitable changing facilities for people who wear special clothing or where personal clothing can be contaminated by harmful substances.

​REST AREA
Rest areas must offer protection to non-smokers.

​EATING AREA
There must be an area for eating if there is a likelihood of food becoming contaminated in the workplace.

​FIRE DRILLS
Fire precautions, fire drills and evacuation procedures must be undertaken regularly.

​FIRST AID
First Aid equipment must be available and in date.