Practical application of common terms
Common questions we get around terminology used in health and safety legislation are discussed below. Always rely on the source document and take professional advice on complex issues.
Compliance
Health and safety is driven by a need to provide a safe workplace and achieve compliance. Safety is relatively easy to define. Compliance is less clear. For guidance on this terminology used in health and safety, click HERE
Health and safety system
SME wanting to do something to strengthen their health and safety know they need something but are typically not sure what “something” is. What it is will likely be a health and safety system which means some processes for performing basis health and safety tasks including;
- Identifying hazards and risks
- Assessing and controlling risks
- Identifying compliance needs flowing from assets and processes employed and applicable regulations
- Providing training and supervision
- Reviewing health and safety performance
There are many issues with a health and safety system but the first question should always be whether one is needed at all. This question and other aspects of health and safety systems are discussed HERE
Due diligence
What this term means for officers of companies is discussed HERE
Reasonably practicable
This term is key to determining controls for your risks. This terminology used in health and safety is discussed HERE
Critical risk
SME (< 20 staff) only have to manage their critical risks. What is meant by the term is discussed HERE
Psychological harm
This terminology has recently appeared in health and safety. What it means is discussed HERE