Employers with five or more employees are legally required to hold regular consultations on health and safety matters.
This obligation is outlined in the Consultation with Employees regulations, which mandate that employers seek employee input on several key issues:
Physical Changes to the Workplace
Any alterations to the physical environment should be discussed with employees to assess their impact on safety and comfort.
Introduction of New Equipment or Substances
Before new machinery, tools, or substances are introduced, employees should be consulted to ensure they understand any new risks and how to mitigate them.
Changes to Working Patterns and Conditions
If there are proposed changes to how work is organised or the conditions under which it is performed, employee feedback is crucial.
Appointment of External Health and Safety Consultants
If an employer plans to bring in an external health and safety consultant, it is important to involve employees in the decision-making process.
The frequency of these consultations will vary depending on the risk level of the environment. Higher-risk workplaces typically require more frequent meetings to ensure ongoing safety.
For more information on your consultation rights and obligations, visit the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidance.
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