Health and Safety

Responsibility for safe working

The firm carrying out the assessment has a duty to conduct its work safely at the premises. That responsibility applies to the way the work is undertaken and its effect on people nearby. Providing information about your premises helps the firm understand the circumstances of the visit, but does not replace its responsibility for safe working. If you are uncertain how the assessment might affect use of an area, ask the specialist carrying out the work to explain before that part of the visit begins.

Discuss precautions beforehand

Before the visit, ask whether any precautions are needed for your premises and what you should do to prepare. Describe any access restrictions, including areas that may be difficult to reach or that cannot be entered without prior arrangements. Mention whether children or pets will be present, so their presence can be considered when discussing safe access and use of the space. Do not assume that the person attending already knows the layout or who may be nearby. Explain any circumstances that could affect the visit, and ask for clarification if the suggested precautions are unclear. These discussions should take place before work begins, rather than leaving an important access or safety question unresolved.

Raise a safety concern

If something about the visit appears unsafe, bring it to the attention of the specialist carrying out the assessment promptly. Describe what you have noticed, where it is happening and who might be affected. You can also report a concern through the enquiry form, giving enough detail to identify the visit and explain the issue. If the concern relates to work happening at that moment, raise it directly with the person attending rather than relying only on a message through the website.