Welcome to Mint HS
FAQS
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to Health & Safety in the UK. At Mint HS, we believe safety shouldn’t be a headache. We’ve compiled the most common questions from the last 24 months to help you navigate your legal duties with confidence.
Clear, Simple Answers
The Foundations
What is the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, and does it apply to me?
Think of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) as the “Grandfather” of UK safety law. It applies to every business, regardless of size or industry. In short, it requires you to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of your staff and anyone else affected by your work (like visitors or the public).
How Mint helps: We translate this massive piece of legislation into a simple, actionable safety policy that actually fits how your business operates.
Who is ultimately responsible for safety in my workplace?
Legally, the “Duty Holder” (usually the employer or business owner) carries the can. However, employees also have a duty to look after themselves and their colleagues.
The Mint Approach: We act as your Competent Person, providing the expert guidance the law requires you to have. You keep the control; we provide the shield.
What are my "must-have" legal duties?
If you employ five or more people, the law says you must have:
- A written Health & Safety Policy.
- Documented Risk Assessments.
- A designated “Competent Person” for advice.
- Consultation with your staff on safety issues.
Managing the Risks
Do I really need a risk assessment? How often should I review it?
Yes. If you have five or more staff, it must be written down. It’s not just a “tick-box” exercise; it’s about identifying what could actually hurt someone and stopping it.
- Review it: Whenever something significant changes (new kit, new office, or after an accident). At Mint, we recommend an annual “health check” to keep your documents fresh and relevant.
What is RIDDOR, and when do I have to report an accident?
RIDDOR is the bit of law that requires you to tell the HSE about serious accidents, specific diseases, or “near misses” (dangerous occurrences).
- The Rule: If a staff member is off for more than seven days due to a work injury, or suffers a “specified” injury (like a fracture), you must report it.
Mint Tip: Don’t panic. If an incident happens, call us first. We’ll help you determine if it’s reportable and guide you through the process.
Is an accident book a legal requirement?
If you have 10 or more employees (or own a factory/mine/quarry), yes. However, we recommend every business has one. It’s your first line of defence in an insurance claim. Just remember: keep it GDPR-compliant—no sharing people’s private medical details!
Modern Workplace Challenges
What are my duties for remote and hybrid workers?
“Out of sight” does not mean “out of mind.” You have the same duty of care for a staff member at their kitchen table as you do for someone in your office. You need to ensure their workstation is safe (DSE assessment) and that they aren’t feeling isolated or burnt out.
How do I handle mental health and stress at work?
The HSE is now prioritising mental health just as much as physical safety. You are legally required to include “work-related stress” in your risk assessments. Mint HS can help you build a wellbeing culture that goes beyond just “putting up a poster,” helping you reduce turnover and absence.
What training do my staff actually need?
There is no “one size fits all.” It ranges from basic Fire Safety and Induction training to specialist COSHH (chemicals) or Manual Handling.
Mint’s View: Don’t pay for training you don’t need. We help you map out a training matrix so your team is competent, compliant, and confident.
Quick Reference: Legal Requirements by Business Size
|
Requirement |
1-4 Employees | 5+ Employees | 10+ Employees |
| Written H&S Policy |
Recommended |
Legal Requirement | Legal Requirement |
| Written Risk Assessments | Recommended | Legal Requirement | Legal Requirement |
| Appoint Competent Person | Legal Requirement | Legal Requirement | Legal Requirement |
| Accident Book | Recommended | Recommended | Legal Requirement |
Specialist Compliance
When do CDM 2015 regulations apply?
If you are doing any building work—even small-scale office refurbs—the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations apply. It defines who is in charge of safety at each stage. If you’re the client, you have duties you can’t simply delegate away.
When do I need an asbestos survey?
If your building was built before the year 2000, you must assume asbestos is present until proven otherwise. You need a Management Survey to stay legal, and a more in-depth Refurbishment Survey before you let any builders swing a hammer.
Why Mint HS?
How can Mint HS act as my "Competent Person"?
The law (Management Regs 1999) says you must appoint someone with enough skin in the game and knowledge to help you manage safety. By appointing Mint HS, you get:
- Instant Compliance: You can name us as your Competent Person on tenders and insurance docs.
- Peace of Mind: You get back to running your business; we handle the “what ifs.”
- A Fresh Perspective: We don’t just find problems; we find practical, “Minty-fresh” solutions.
