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Understand health and safety

Are you confident in your health and safety practices? Find out your responsibilities and how to run a safe business with these resources.

Photo by: Hoe Grange Holidays

A guest using an accessible four-wheel bike at Hoe Grange Holidays, Derbyshire

Introduction

Get up to date with health and safety guidance with these resources. Here you’ll find plenty of guidance on helping your business with Fire Risk Assessments, practical Health and Safety Executive resources, and much more.

Fire safety resources

All businesses must carry out a Fire Risk Assessment of their premises, by law, regardless of size or number of employees. Discover the requirements relating to your business and carry out a fire assessment.

Use our free template to help comply with your legal obligation.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A young Arab couple relaxing by a fire in the drawing room
  • Fire safety facts

    Discover the regulations around fire safety, how they apply to you and guidance on what you need to do.


    From the Pink Book

  • Fire safety of furniture and furnishings

    Get guidance on what legislation applies to you in relation to the fire safety of furniture in your business.


    From the Pink Book

  • Fire safety guide for small accommodation providers

    This Government guide for small accommodation businesses provides practical advice on fire safety in paying guest accommodation such as small bed and breakfasts.

  • Fire safety for disabled people

    Read the Government’s comprehensive guidance to ensuring fire safety for disabled people, Means of Escape for Disabled People. Please note, this guide was published in 2007, before the Equality Act 2010.

  • Fire safety guidance update webinar

    Fire experts provide an update on new fire safety guidance and changes to regulations from 1 October 2023. Recorded 21 September 2023.

  • Fire Safety Guidance FAQs

    Find responses to general questions about the new fire safety guidance, technical questions and questions specific to visitor accommodation businesses.

Guest safety

Do you have a health and safety policy? All tourism businesses have a duty of care for customers and visitors, meaning you need to identify and control safety risks in your business.

Employee safety

If you employ staff, get to know the additional safety precautions you need to be aware of and your legal responsibilities for the workplace.
  • Health & Safety at Work Act (HSWA)

    The HSWA covers your responsibilities for the safety of your staff and your legal obligation to complete a health and safety assessment.


    From the Pink Book

  • Hazards from work activities

    Ensure your staff do their jobs safely, with this guidance to workplace hazards, from computer screens to heavy equipment.


    From the Pink Book

  • Hazards in the workplace

    Consider the risks in your workplace, with this guidance on the use of safety glass, preventing slips and trips and electrical equipment.


    From the Pink Book

  • Safety management

    Know your legal obligations under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and how to carry out a risk assessment.


    From the Pink Book

  • How to manage risks at work

    Use this Health and Safety Executive (HSE) online toolbox to help you control risks in the workplace, including fire and electrical safety and workplace transport.

  • Employer’s liability insurance guide

    Find out whether you need employers’ liability insurance, the policy conditions to look out for and what level of cover you need.