Set up and run a safe remediation operation

Remediation is high-hazard work. Contaminated ground, confined spaces, hazardous substances (solvents, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, asbestos), biological agents and unstable structures are routine site conditions. Your general duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of your employees and others affected by the work. The COSHH Regulations 2002, Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and personal protective equipment duties bite heavily. Workplace health and safety is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive in Great Britain and by HSENI in Northern Ireland.

A. Health and safety at work

Risk-assess every site and every activity — ground contamination, confined-space entry, exposure to hazardous substances, biological agents, unstable structures and excavations. Put safe systems of work, training, supervision and health surveillance in place.

B. Employers' liability insurance

Hold at least £5 million of employers' liability insurance once you employ anyone. Display the certificate or make it available electronically.

C. Equality

Do not discriminate across the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. In Northern Ireland, separate equality law is enforced by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

D. Data protection

Comply with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Register with the ICO and pay the data protection fee unless specifically exempt.

What to do next

With the workplace foundations in place, work through your environmental, waste and construction duties in meet your environmental permits, waste and construction duties. Start from the router if you are not sure which guides apply to you.