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Quick Workplace Checklist 2025: Safety Checklist – Including Fire Safety

15 January 2025

Quick Workplace Checklist 2025: Safety Checklist – Including Fire Safety

A safe workplace is crucial for staff, clients, visitors, neighbours and the local area – but there are many different aspects to take into account. With that in mind, which of these measures are included in the quick workplace checklist we’re preparing for you?

 

Please note that this guide is not intended to provide official government guidance, legal advice or expert compliance on workplace safety. For guidance tailored to specific topics and your industry, visit hse.gov.uk and consult the resources there.

 

There are many laws and regulations covering health and safety in the UK. These include but are not limited to:

 

 

But in this article, we’ll provide just an unofficial quick workplace checklist from a safety perspective to give you a steer in the right direction. We’ll also explain how regular cleaning in the workplace can help ensure health and safety for everyone who uses or visits it.

 

Quick workplace checklist

 

Make sure you have the basics covered – for example, businesses must have the right first aid provisions in place.

 

This means that first aid kits should contain all that is needed and they should be restocked should items be used. In addition, first aid kits should also be easy to access and employees should be given training where possible. 

 

A safe working environment is also underpinned by the right security measures – this can range from access control to visitor logs and surveillance systems. All of this offers a good level of protection and will help to deter any potential threats.

 

Signage is also important as this will ensure that first aid stations can be found with ease.

 

Here is quick workplace checklist for safety and for further details, read the official HSE guidance on simple health and safety:

 

Quick workplace checklist – health and safety basics:

  • Prepare a health and safety policy: This is mandatory if your business has five or more employees
  • Manage and assess risks at work: This includes a) identifying hazards, b) assessing risks c) controlling risks d) recording your findings e) reviewing the controls
  • Prepare to report accidents and illness: You must report certain injuries, near-misses and work-related illnesses to HSE
  • Provide information and training: Tell your staff what their health and safety duties are
  • Consult your workers: Involve staff and inform them about health and safety at work
  • Have the right workplace facilities: This includes toilets, washbasins and other relevant welfare facilities
  • First aid in work: Including a) assessing first aid needs b) appointing someone to take charge of first aid c) putting together a first aid kit d) providing training e) ensuring access
  • Display the law poster: You must display the health and safety law poster or give staff the leaflet
  • Appoint a competent person: Choose who will help you manage health and safety at work

 

Fire safety precautions

 

For any quick workplace checklist, fire safety is an important aspect of it. Risks must be reviewed regularly and fire prevention, preparedness and response planning must occur. 

 

Fire extinguishers must be checked regularly to be sure they are pressurised and in good working order and can be accessed quickly.

 

Owing to this, different types of extinguishers should be available, according to the specific risks within the workplace (for example: electrical fires or flammable liquids). 

 

Staff should be trained not only in their proper use but also in understanding which extinguisher to use for different fire types and this is why a quick workplace fire checklist is vital.

 

All emergency exits must be kept clear of obstructions, and labeled with signs at all times, and have sufficient lighting to help guide occupants in an evacuation.

 

Fire doors should be kept closed and well-maintained to slow the spread of smoke and flames.

 

Fire alarms and smoke detectors require regular testing to ensure that they are fully operational and can detect a fire before it starts, so you should make the quick workplace checklist fire safety a priority.

 

For the full, official government checklist – read the fire safety risk assessment guidance. In summary –

 

Quick workplace checklist – fire safety:

  • Consider anything that can start a fire, such as ignition sources or combustible materials, including: electrical equipment, smoking, arson, heating, cooking, housekeeping, contractors.
  • Identify people at risk: a) How many people are in the premises? b) Are there any young, disabled, or lone workers present in the premises?
  • Evaluate then act: a) How many floors and staircases are in the premises? b) What is the number and location of exits? c) Are fire alarms, fire exit signs, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers needed?
  • Record, plan, train: Complete a fire risk assessment and keep a record of this, covering how to train staff in fire safety and keep them safe
  • Review: Update your fire risk assessment if there are any significant changes

 

General workplace safety checks

 

There should be more to a comprehensive workplace checklist than just fire safety — health and safety should be covered.

 

Workstations should be assessed to ensure they provide adequate ergonomic support, helping to prevent musculoskeletal issues. Chairs, desks, and computer setups should be adjusted to suit individual needs, promoting comfort and productivity.

 

Also, in addition, a good working environment will be influenced by the lighting and ventilation.

 

Workplace injury causes are common such as slips, trips and falls. It is also important to regularly check for any potential hazards like uneven floorings, loose cables, poorly maintained walkways etc.

 

Proper storage of materials and equipment helps to reduce clutter and minimize risks.

 

Again, the government provides many official resources including sample risk assessments, tailored to different industries and aspects of safety. 

 

Here is part of a simple health and safety risk assessment for preventing slips, trips and falls in a retail store – you can also use retail design to optimise store layout for better safety:

 

Quick workplace checklist – retail example

Preventing slips, trips and falls in a shop:

  • Staff clean as they go
  • Wet floor warning signs always used
  • Shop floor is only mopped when shop is closed
  • Door mats at entrance in wet weather
  • Floor in good condition
  • Good lighting in all areas
  • Staff wear sensible shoes

 

Employee wellbeing and mental health

 

You might think that a safe workplace is all about physical safety but that is not the case. It also includes mental wellbeing, so businesses have to take this into consideration.

 

Mental health resources should be accessible and a supportive work environment should be created and promoted, all of which helps to provide an additional level of safety.

 

You can implement flexible working options, stress management and have good channels of communication that create a positive workplace culture.

 

Encouraging regular breaks and promoting a healthy work-life balance can improve productivity and reduce burnout. 

 

Managers should be trained to identify signs of stress and provide appropriate support to employees when needed.

 

From a cleaning perspective, find out how to improve staff morale with a clean space.

 

Hygiene and cleanliness in workplace safety

 

Keeping a workplace clean is essential for maintaining health and safety standards. For more details, read our guide on health and safety inspections.

 

A well kept workplace prevents the spread of microscopic organisms and empowers representatives to work in a protected space.

 

Unnecessary rubbish and dirt can also lead to trip dangers and cleanliness helps to prevent germs from spreading.

 

Cleaning areas that get a lot of use such as kitchens, restrooms and shared work spaces is easiest to do using structured cleaning routines.

 

Frequent disinfection of frequently touched surfaces like door handles, desks and equipment is an important protective measure against infection, at any time of the year but especially at peak cold and flu season points. Find out how a clear desk policy can help with this.

 

Professional cleaning services give businesses the right approach to workplace hygiene – whether it’s deep cleaning of carpets or hard floors, it ensures that allergens and bacteria are eradicated.

 

This creates an atmosphere that is cleaner and healthier and that can lead to improved sickness absences and employee wellbeing.

 

Maintaining high cleanliness standards supports workplace safety by creating a more comfortable and hygienic space for staff and visitors alike. Here is our office cleaning checklist.

 

Final thoughts: The role of cleaning in workplace safety

 

Safety is directly correlated with cleanliness and orderliness for a workspace. This prevents the accumulation of dust and allergens and keeps air quality at a safe level and reduces respiratory problems.

 

Accidents can be prevented by clean, well maintained flooring that is free from spills and debris.

 

Professional cleaning services offer consistency and thorough cleaning solutions for businesses.

 

Hygiene and a presentable work environment both help to create a healthier environment and a safer one, and this is from routine maintenance through to deep cleaning.

 

Think FM is a professional commercial cleaning company London businesses trust. We provide outstanding daily office cleaning London workplaces throughout the capital trust day in, day out.

 

If you would like more information about what we can do for your business, please don’t hesitate to contact us.


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