Occupational health and welfare: an overview

Risks in the workplace

The condition and cleanliness of your workplace have a direct impact on the welfare of your employees. You must meet a range of minimum workplace standards under health and safety law.

You must provide:

• clean toilets, with water, soap and a towel or drier
• access to drinking water
• clean working areas, with waste regularly removed
• adequate space to work in
• a comfortable working temperature

For further information on the facilities you must provide, see our guides on how to meet minimum workplace standards.

You can download the guide workplace health, safety and welfare from the HSE website (PDF).

Other issues you may have to consider include:

• supplying ergonomic office equipment, ie designed to give maximum comfort and support
• ensuring dust levels are kept down - minimising noise and smell levels
• preventing contact with irritants or hazardous substances
• providing well maintained and comfortable rest areas
• implementing good communication channels

You can explore an occupational health best-practice database on the Securing Health Together website.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Promoting occupational health
• Key occupational health issues
• Manage occupational health
• Concerns in different industries
• Risks in the workplace

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