Consulting employees on health and safety matters can be very important in creating and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.

By law, employers must consult all of their employees on health and safety matters. Some workers who are self-employed, for example for tax purposes, are classified as employed under health and safety law.

Consultation involves employers not only giving information to employees but also listening to and taking account of what employees say before they make any health and safety decisions.

Myth: "I need a written assessment of risk even though I only employ a part time secretary."

Truth: Written assessments are only required where five or more people are employed and even then only significant findings have to be recorded.

Myth: I've been told that I have to have my desk lamp tested every six months."

Truth: The law requires it to be maintained. It does not require an elaborate and frequent system of electrical testing.

Myth: "You need a COSHH assessment for every substance you use, including floor polish."

Truth: Assessments are only needed for hazardous substances. For products used in offices this means those with labels carrying a specific health warning. The result will normally be a decision to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Myth: "No-one can be asked to lift more than 25 kg."

Truth: The regulations do not set limits. Their objective is to reduce the large number of lifting injuries which are costly to employers and the country.

Myth: "Screen filters to reduce radiation are now mandatory."

FREE Construction Health and Safety Event to be held at the Old Silhillians Memorial Ground, Warwick Rd, Knowle, Solihull on 8th November.

This is one of a series of free partnership events run by the construction industry as part of the Working Well Together campaign. The aim of the event is not only to raise awareness of key health and safety issues facing the construction industry, but also to give practical advice on how to avoid risks on construction sites. If you run a small building, construction or contracting company or you are a self employed builder and you would like to get up to date advice on working safely at height, manual handling, workplace transport, asbestos, welfare and hand arm vibration then you may be interested in this event. There are two sessions, one starting at 8 am and another session in the afternoon starting at 12.30 pm.