Health & safety guidance for UK businesses

Plain-English guidance to help you understand your legal obligations. Find out what applies to you, without the jargon.

Written and reviewed by qualified health and safety professionals

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No legal jargon. We explain what regulations actually mean for your situation.

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All guidance is written and reviewed by qualified UK health and safety professionals.

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Fire Safety

Risk assessments, responsible person duties, and compliance

Asbestos

Surveys, management plans, and duty holder responsibilities

Legionella

Water safety, testing requirements, and risk control

Gas Safety

Landlord certificates, annual checks, and engineer duties

Electrical Safety

Testing, certification, and installation requirements

Workplace Safety

General duties, risk assessments, and employee welfare

Popular guides

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Small Business

Health and Safety for Small Businesses: Complete Guide

Everything SME owners need to know about compliance, from risk assessments to documentation.

Fire Safety

Do I Need a Fire Risk Assessment?

Find out if your premises requires a fire risk assessment and what is involved.

Landlords

Landlord Electrical Safety Requirements (EICR)

Your legal duties for electrical safety in rental properties explained.

Documentation

Risk Assessment Guide

Step-by-step guide to conducting workplace risk assessments.

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Guidance for your sector

Different sectors have different requirements. Find guidance tailored to your situation.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a fire risk assessment for my business?

Yes, if you are an employer, or if your premises is used by anyone other than just you, you need a fire risk assessment. This is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

What health and safety documents do I need as an employer?

At minimum, you need risk assessments for your workplace. If you have 5 or more employees, you must also have a written health and safety policy. Other documents depend on your specific activities and hazards.

Do landlords need gas safety certificates?

Yes, landlords must have a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for every rental property with gas appliances. Checks must be carried out annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

What is an EICR and do I need one?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) checks the safety of fixed electrical installations. Landlords in England are legally required to have one every 5 years. Businesses should also have regular electrical inspections.

Is health and safety guidance on this site free?

Yes, all guidance on Safety Clarity is completely free. We provide plain-English explanations of UK health and safety requirements to help businesses, landlords, and organisations understand their obligations.
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Expert guidance you can trust

Safety Clarity is run by practising health and safety consultants who work with UK businesses every day. We're part of a network of trusted professionals across the country — so we know what questions you have and where confusion arises.

Every piece of guidance on this site is written and reviewed by qualified professionals, based on current HSE publications and UK legislation. When you need hands-on support, we can connect you with consultants who provide on-site assistance nationwide.

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This site provides general guidance on UK health and safety requirements. It is not a substitute for professional advice specific to your premises and circumstances. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional.