Slough Borough Council

As an employer, do I have to provide first aid facilities for my employees? Health and Safety at Work

Yes. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to have made provisions for first aid in their workplaces.

The first step is for the employer to decide what precisely they need to meet their legal obligations. The onus is on the employer to carry out an assessment to determine the hazards likely, and to provide adequate and suitable first aid provision accordingly, i.e. First Aid Boxes, trained First Aiders or Appointed Persons etc.

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Is there a maximum temperature in workplaces?

There isn't. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992 state that "during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable".

If you feel your office is too hot, then talk to your boss. The workplace must provide drinking water, but fans, temporary air conditioning units, and permanent ones could help.

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Is there a minimum temperature in workplaces?

The Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992 sets two minimum temperatures:

• a workroom, like an office should be at least 16 degrees Celsius 
• if much of the work involves severe physical effort in which case the temperature should be at least 13 degrees Celsius.

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Should my computer have a health and safety check?

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 requires that employers "to assess (and review) health and safety risks to persons exposed at VDU workstations and reduce risks so identified".

Reviewing how a seat, table computer keyboard and VDU all are placed is important to prevent eye strain, RSI (pain from typing), bad back and other problems, so getting this right can help maintain or improve workforce productivity.

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What is a Health and Safety Law Poster?

It is a legal requirement that this poster is displayed in a prominent position at each workplace within an organisation - it covers both general duties and the basics of health and safety management.

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