The management of health and safety risks of outside areas is just as important as risks found inside premises. Outside area issues include:
- Vehicle movement on your premises;
- Maintenance and storage areas;
- Garden areas; and
- Pools and water features.
All of the above require careful management.
Protection of the public using your premises, in particular vulnerable people such as the elderly or children is essential. Outside areas may require additional vigilance even though persons employed in the business may normally spend little time outside.
You may be responsible for the grounds of your premises this can include:
- Paths/ steps - Condition of surfaces, icy conditions, wet conditions, lighting;
- Slips/trips and falls;
- Vehicles - Both visitors and employees vehicles (parking, reversing), company vehicles, minibuses;
- Lighting - Access/egress of premises;
- Gardening - Pesticides (use and storage), suitable footwear/ work wear for maintenance staff;
- Weather (Heat/cold/wind), you may need to provide work wear for all weathers, sun-block / sun-cream (for any staff with outdoor duties);
- Gardening equipment - general tools, ride-on lawnmowers, maintenance of equipment, storage, training on its use etc; and
- Window cleaning - Suitable access and egress, safe place of work for window cleaners.
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