Health and safety legislation requires employers to do which of the following?

• A. Create a safe health, safety and welfare work environment with safe operation and maintenance of equipment
• B. Provide discounted services to staff
• C. Limit opening hours to weekends
• D. Buy insurance only for pet owners' belongings

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that health and safety requirements focus on providing a safe workplace and ensuring equipment is safe to use and properly maintained. Employers must assess risks, put safe systems of work in place, keep all equipment—like clippers, dryers, wash stations, and cages—in good condition, and ensure staff are trained and informed about how to work safely. They also need to provide welfare facilities and clear emergency procedures so everyone can work without unnecessary risk.

In a dog grooming context, this means making sure all tools and machines are regularly serviced, electrical cords are kept safe and out of the way, floors are non-slip, ventilation and chemical handling are safe, and facilities for breaks and first aid are available. These are the measures health and safety legislation expects to be in place.

Discounted services for staff, limiting opening hours to weekends, or buying insurance only for pet owners’ belongings aren’t requirements of health and safety law. They may be business decisions, but they don’t reflect the duty to maintain a safe and healthy working environment and safe equipment.