Posted By James Ward
Hi Folks,

Can anyone offer any guidance on how to approach and deploy Occupational Health & Safety management in residential accommodation for multiple employees (i.e. a Staff House)?

And is anyone aware of any legislative or regulatory documentation within their home country that could offer any pointers?

Thanking you in advance.

Cheers,

James

Posted By James Ward
Hi Tracey,

The company signed a tenancy agreement with the landlord and yes this is classed as their residence while at work and would also be classed as a House of Muliple occupancy.

Any help you can offer would be fantastic.

Cheers.

Posted By Ken Taylor
The HMO aspects will be matters for the local authority to have registered, visited and enforced standards but it would be worthwhile for the employer to be aware of the required standards to ensure that they have been provided. Communal areas controlled by the employer will require risk assessment (including fire). The employer (as landlord) should be providing safe properties to the tenants (including safe gas appliances, flue checks and ventilation). I have also had sample surveys carried out for asbestos and water quality (although these are not workplaces) and organised appropriate remedial action as found necessary. The tenants could also be encouraged to bring any health and safety concerns regarding their residential accommodation to the attention of the company H&S person who could be authorised to visit and inspect. This is best done by invitation or amicable arrangement with the tenant. There will, of course, also need to be a procedure for reporting defects for attention by the employer.