Find out the responsibilities for employers in providing a suitable workspace for employees

You have a duty to ensure the welfare of your employees at work. Providing a safe and healthy environment will also help to motivate your workforce.

Use the links below to find information and resources on ways to ensure your employees' welfare at work as well as your legal duties relating to this.

2. Workspace

Workspaces should provide enough free space for people to access and move freely without risk of injury from slips, trips and falls.

As a general rule each person should have a workspace of at least 11 cubic metres. For example, if the ceiling height is 2.4m the typical floor space should be 4.6 square metres.

Workstations and seating should be suitable for the work and the individuals using them. All workplaces should also be kept clean and all waste should be stored and removed correctly.

Lighting

Lighting should be sufficient to enable people to work and move without risk to their safety or health. You should try to use natural light. Artificial light is acceptable to boost light levels and provide local or task lighting.

You can find out more about this on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) site.

Visit the HSE site for guidance on lighting at work

Previous1. Workplace temperature Next3. Workspace facilities

How can we improve this page?