Your responsibilities for health, safety and the environment

Health, safety and the environment in specific sectors

Different sectors have their own particular health, safety and environmental concerns - for example:

• The construction industry is well known for problems of site safety, such as falls. It also has environmental responsibilities, including controlling pollution caused by the site. See our guide on the regulations for the construction and building services sector.
• Food hygiene is a particular concern for catering businesses. Kitchens can also be a particularly dangerous working environment. See our guide on the regulations for the hospitality and leisure sector.
• Petrol stations present a risk of explosions. See our guide on the regulations for the energy sector.
• Hotels and other residential accommodation may present fire risks and require a licence from the local Fire Authority. See our guides on the regulations for the travel and tourism and hospitality and leisure sectors.
• Agricultural businesses can have a significant environmental impact through the chemicals and water that they use. See our guide on the regulations for the agriculture and fishing sector.
• Factory processes may involve dangerous equipment, hazardous substances and emissions. Achieving energy and water efficiency is also important. See our guide on the regulations for the manufacturing and engineering sector.
• Poorly designed workstations and working practices are a major cause of ill-health for computer users in offices.

Whatever business you're in, it's a good idea to take advice on the major issues - read advice leaflets for specific industries on the HSE website.

You can check environmental regulations for your industry on the NetRegs website.

You can call the HSE Infoline on Tel 0845 345 0055 and the Environment Agency Helpline on Tel 08708 506 506.

You can also find out more about the issues for businesses in specific sectors by reading our guide on special requirements and approved codes of practice.

Businesses in Scotland should contact the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on Tel 01786 457 700 and businesses in Northern Ireland should contact the EHS for Northern Ireland Environment Protection Enquiry Line on Tel 028 9054 6614.

Get information on health and safety issues affecting businesses in Northern Ireland at the HSENI website or contact the HSENI Enquiry Line on Tel 0800 0320 121.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Comply with key health and safety rules
• Comply with key environmental rules
• Who ensures that health and safety and environmental law is being complied with?
• Do I need to license or register my business?
• Make sure your business is properly insured
• Substances covered by health, safety and environmental law
• Activities covered by health and safety laws
• Maintain high standards of occupational health
• Health, safety and the environment in specific sectors
• Checklist: protecting health, safety and the environment
• Here's how my business approaches health and safety issues

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