Every business has to consider its health and safety problems, and introduce measures to control the risks. Health and safety at work is about reducing those common small injuries and accidents that are so disruptive, as well as preventing the rarer major accidents that can be disastrous. The majority of businesses have premises; getting the safety of your premises right is a good place to start. And here is a productivity bonus: research shows that productivity increases when conditions in workplaces are improved!

Do not forget neighbours, visitors, tenants and contractors when you plan the safety of your premises. Here are eight questions to ask yourself, and some of the answers.

Are you premises in good repair? Take good look around or detail someone to do it. Many defects can be spotted during a simple walk-through. Look out for broken glass, splintered wood, uneven floors and broken stairs. Have your electrics checked by a competent electrician. But even untrained people can spot frayed cables and overloaded sockets.

Are floors clean and clear? Slips and trips are responsible for around 30% of all workplace accidents. If you use powered tools or office equipment, provide sockets close to the work so that there are no trailing cables. Provide enough storage space to prevent work areas becoming congested. Have spillage procedures that ensure spills are cleared up immediately. If you have wet processes, provide drainage. Remove waste regularly so that it does not build up. Do not forget about outdoor surfaces in wet or freezing conditions.

Is maintenance work done safely? Building maintenance is done outside the normal work routine and can easily be forgotten. Think about cleaning work, including window- cleaning, cleaning near machinery and cleaning of high ledges. Protect workers during machinery maintenance with adequate lock-off procedures, electrical safety and removal of hazardous substances.

Are pedestrians protected from traffic? Traffic in the workplace comes in many forms, from small fork-lift trucks to large earth-moving equipment. Keep pedestrians and vehicles separate as far as possible. Use physical barriers if you can, but certainly mark out routes. Use vehicle one-way systems and restrict the areas where reversing and manoeuvring are allowed. Provide windows in doors and mirrors on blind corners.

Is lighting correct in all areas? Dark areas indoors and out can hide hazards and cause accidents. Make sure you plan for all seasons. Avoid drivers and other workers having to move from very brightly lit areas to darker areas and vice versa