Businesses are being reminded to keep on top of their game when it comes to health and safety obligations.

Employers are bound under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Reg 7) to have an adequate number of ‘competent persons' to assist the employer in complying with obligations.

Health and Safety advisor

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce can provide a Health and Safety Advisor to businesses that do not have a ‘Competent Person' and over a minimum 12-month period can provide and offer the following:

• Named competent person
• Annual Health and Safety audit and report
• Health and Safety (H&S) Advisor Certificate
• Email facility for H&S questions
• Telephone helpline
• Quarterly visits to assess ongoing systems
• Advanced notice of training opportunities
• 20 per cent discount on H&S support services and H&S training provided by Sheffield Chamber

The Chamber's Health & Safety Advisory Appointed Officer Gavin Cousins said: "The health and safety legislation is important and the real bonus for small companies using the Chamber's service is that they do not have to worry about the expense of employing a full-time health and safety competent person. Many of them would probably find it hard to afford one anyway, particularly in the current climate when businesses are looking to make economies.

"It is also proving prudent for larger companies who are using the service. There is the point, too, that companies work all round the clock and we are there to help and advise for 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year."

One organisation that has already become involved with the Chamber's H&S advisory service is Sheffield and Hallamshire Football Association.

Helped to comply

James Hope-Gill, Sheffield & Hallamshire FA Chief Executive said "Sheffield Chamber has assisted the County FA in becoming compliant with Health and Safety regulations at our head office in Sheffield.

"As a not-for-profit organisation, no extra provision can be made to employ a dedicated member of staff to deal with Health and Safety, so this service has filled this gap and a number of new initiatives are already in place."

Costs of the Chamber H&S service depend on the size and nature of the business. A Chamber in-house qualified Health and Safety Advisor will visit premises free of charge to discuss the service further.