Places of work

Risk assessments 

Risk assessments are an important part of health and safety regulations and can help you avoid problems before they arise.  

The following risk assessments are for people who work in Essex County Council (ECC) offices, either for their usual role or to undertake a specific task, like fixing equipment. 

Office Risk Assessment (HST001) (DOCX, 129KB) 

Cold weather guidance

A significant number of deaths in the UK are attributed to colder temperatures during the winter months.  This guidance provides managers and employees with information to confirm the legal requirements and the precautions that can be taken.

Cold weather guidance (DOCX, 60KB)

Security and safety 

Our visitor and security policy provides guidance about making sure that the health, safety and welfare of employees, volunteers, contractors and visitors are considered when accessing secure or restricted areas of out premises.  

Visitor and Security Policy (HSP 9.11) (DOCX, 319KB)  

Smoking  

All council buildings are smoke free. Our smoking policy and guidance explain this further and covers the use of e-cigarettes and vaping.  

Smoking Policy (HSP 9.21) (DOCX, 109KB)  

Legionella 

Our policy and guidance on Legionella help us protect employees and others from the risk of contracting legionnaires disease when using council owned premises containing purpose-built water systems. This includes offices.  

Legionella Policy (HSP 9.38) (DOCX, 706KB)  

Waste management 

If you are making arrangements to dispose of waste on behalf of the council, you must make sure that all activity complies with the duty of care and waste hierarchy. You can find out more in our waste management policy guidance which is relevant to all staff, contractors and sub-contractors, and schools.  

Waste Management Policy (HSP 9.15) (PDF, 422KB)  

Construction sites 

If you are carrying out construction work that has been commissioned by the Council, you must comply with the duties set out under the Construction, Design and Management Regulations 2015. Our guidance explains these duties and provides details about the processes used to manage safety on sites that affected by the regulations.  

Construction Design Management (CDM) (HSP 9.30) (DOC, 148KB)  

Other outdoor spaces 

All aspects of working at height must be managed and undertaken safely by the council. Our work at height guidance provides the information needed to make sure that the relevant guidelines and procedures are followed.  

Work at Height Policy (HSP 9.32) (DOCX, 1.01MB)  

Outdoor play equipment must be installed to specific standards, and then managed and maintained safely. Our guidance explains more about what you need to do to make sure we are complying with the relevant regulations.  

Outdoor Play Equipment (HSP 9.44) (DOCX, 1.2MB)