Guides & Resources

Plain-English answers to the health and safety questions small businesses actually ask. No jargon, no scare tactics — just what the law requires and what it means for you.

Free Guides

Start With The Essentials

The three documents every small business gets asked for — what they are, when the law requires them, and what happens without one.

Do I Need a COSHH Assessment?

When the law requires a COSHH assessment, what it has to cover, and what happens if you don't have one.

What a Risk Assessment & Method Statement actually is, and why principal contractors ask subcontractors for one.

⚠️ Risk Assessment

The 5 Steps of a Risk Assessment

The HSE's five-step approach, who needs a written record, and how often to review it.

More guides are on the way. Got a question you'd like answered? Ask us — it might become the next one.

Free Checklists

See Where You Stand

The things inspectors and licensing officers actually ask for, sector by sector — with the legal reference behind every item. Print one, walk your premises, and see exactly where you stand. Free, no email required.

📋 Tattoo Studios

Tattoo Studio Compliance Checklist

Licensing, COSHH, sharps and blood-borne viruses, autoclave records and fire safety — everything a licensing officer walks in looking for.

✓ 19 checks · Print-ready

📋 Cafés & Food

Café & Coffee Shop Compliance Checklist

Food safety records, allergens and Natasha's Law, gas certificates, extraction cleaning and fire safety — what EHOs and fire officers ask about.

✓ 20 checks · Print-ready

📋 Construction & Trades

Construction & Trades Compliance Checklist

Risk assessments and RAMS, construction phase plans, asbestos awareness, face-fit testing and kit inspections — what principal contractors and HSE inspectors ask for.

✓ 21 checks · Print-ready

📋 Nail Salons

Nail Salon Compliance Checklist

COSHH for monomers and acetone, ventilation, RPE and face-fit, tool hygiene, flammables storage and health surveillance — what inspectors look for at the desk.

✓ 19 checks · Print-ready

Quick Answers

Asked All The Time

Do I legally need a written health & safety policy?

A written policy is legally required at 5 or more employees (Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974). Below that you still need a policy — it just doesn't have to be written down. In practice, clients often ask for a written one at any size.

What's the difference between a risk assessment and RAMS?

A risk assessment identifies hazards and sets out controls. RAMS adds a step-by-step method statement for how the job will actually be done — and it's what principal contractors normally require before letting you on site.

What safety signs does my premises legally need?

It depends on your risk assessments. Common legal fixtures: fire exit and fire action signage, no-smoking signage, and the HSE law poster if you employ anyone.

Browse All FAQs →

Official Sources

Straight From The Regulator

Our guides translate the law into plain English — but if you want the primary sources, these are the ones that matter.

The regulator's own guidance on controlling hazardous substances.

HSE — Managing Risks

The official five-step risk assessment approach our guide is based on.

When and how to report workplace injuries and dangerous occurrences.

GOV.UK — Workplace Fire Safety

Your legal responsibilities as the responsible person for a premises.

Prefer the DIY Route? Template Shop

Interactive, ready-to-edit templates for the documents covered in these guides. Fill them in on screen, choose your industry preset, and save straight to PDF — instant download.

COSHH Risk Assessment RAMS Fire Risk Assessment H&S Policy

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