Health and safety responsibilities: headteachers

The headteacher must:

• Ensure that the school is following the employer's health and safety policy and has effective arrangements for managing the real health and safety risks at the school
• Maintain effective communications with employers, governors, and the school workforce, and give clear information to pupils and visitors, including contractors, regarding the significant risks on site
• Make sure that the staff have the appropriate training and competencies to deal with risks in their areas of responsibility
• Consult and work with recognised union safety representatives/employee representatives and safety committees
• Make sure that staff understand their responsibilities and know how to access support and advice to help them manage risks responsibly