COMPETENT PERSON FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY in BEDFORDSHIRE
Straightforward health and safety support that helps employers meet their legal duties without the jargon. We work with organisations throughout Bedfordshire, from Luton and Dunstable to Bedford, Leighton Buzzard and Biggleswade.
★★★★★
“Ablemarsh were able to carry out our Fire Risk Assessment at short notice and offered a very competitive price. The assessor was professional, respectful of the property, and provided excellent guidance throughout. The detailed report exceeded my expectations and was clear and actionable. Special thanks to Nick, who liaised with me personally and ensured the process ran smoothly.”
– Citizen Chris
Health and Safety
Ablemarsh are your independent Competent Person for Health and Safety in Bedfordshire
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, every employer must appoint competent help to meet its health and safety duties. Few small and medium businesses employ a qualified safety adviser of their own, so many choose an external consultant to fill that role. Ablemarsh acts as the appointed competent person for organisations in Bedfordshire, getting to know your premises, your people and the hazards they deal with.
Bedfordshire's economy covers a wide spread of workplaces. Large distribution centres line the M1 around Dunstable and Houghton Regis, London Luton Airport supports aviation and engineering businesses, and Bedford, Kempston and Biggleswade have manufacturing units, offices, farms and food businesses close together. We tailor our advice to the way your site actually runs, whether that is a warehouse near junction 11a, a workshop in Kempston or an office in Bedford town centre.
Proper competent support protects staff and visitors, reduces the likelihood of claims and keeps you ready for a visit from an inspector. Employers across Bedfordshire rely on us for clear guidance they can act on straight away.
Health & Safety
Happy
As your Competent Person, we are on top of all the health and safety legislation for you.
Healthy
Helping you attract and retain the best staff with our Occupational Health and Safety.
Safe
Keeping you safe with our General Risk Assessment and Accident Investigation service.
Fire Safety
In any situation, prevention is always better than cure, and fire safety is no different.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes the responsible person for any non-domestic premises carry out, record and keep under review a suitable fire risk assessment. In Bedfordshire, fire safety law is enforced by Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Our assessors inspect your building, set out the fire risks and give you a prioritised action list, so you are prepared if an inspecting officer calls.
Construction Safety
A site audit tests whether safety arrangements are working in practice as well as on paper. As your competent person for construction health and safety, we audit sites against the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and explain exactly what needs to change. Building work in Bedfordshire ranges from new neighbourhoods such as Wixams and the growth areas around Bedford and Luton to warehouse construction near the M1, commercial fit-outs and home extensions, and each audit is scaled to suit the project.
Where We Work
For over a decade we’ve helped clients across London and the South East improve workplaces.
Residential Property Management
Fire safety rules for blocks of flats have changed considerably in recent years, including the duties brought in by the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. We give managing agents the inspections, fire door checks and reports they need to stay on top of those requirements and keep clear records.
Homes in Bedfordshire include Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Bedford and Luton, converted houses split into flats, older properties in market towns such as Ampthill and Leighton Buzzard, and new apartment blocks in growing estates. Each type of building brings its own fire and safety risks, so we assess every block individually, keeping residents safe and giving you records that hold up to scrutiny.
“Ablemarsh have consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to their work. Their willingness to go above and beyond knows no bounds – they eagerly address numerous queries and provide assistance whenever needed.”
Construction
Contractors need a safety adviser who understands how a live site works. We review RAMS, carry out site audits and support principal contractors through their CDM duties. Contractors working across Bedfordshire get safer sites, fewer delays and paperwork that is ready whenever a client or the HSE asks to see it.
“We’ve worked with Ablemarsh for a number of years and find the service friendly, efficient and cost effective.”
Facilities Management
Facilities teams often look after several buildings at once, from offices and business parks to mixed-use sites. We carry out the risk assessments, inspections and compliance audits that keep those properties safe for occupants, contractors and visitors.
Many business parks and logistics estates in Bedfordshire, especially around Dunstable, Houghton Regis and the A1 at Sandy and Biggleswade, house several occupiers on one site. We help facilities managers set out who is responsible for shared areas, yards, plant rooms and escape routes, so nothing falls between tenants.
“Ablemarsh ensure we are compliant in the office as well as for our engineers moving from one client’s site to another, ensuring that they are safe in the varied work they undertake, from driving to various installation issues we may come across. Ablemarsh above all else are very responsive to our company’s needs”
Education
Schools, colleges and nurseries carry a duty of care to pupils, staff and visitors every day. Our competent health and safety support covers fire risk assessments, general risk assessments and planning for educational visits, leaving school leaders free to focus on teaching.
We work with schools, academies and colleges across Bedfordshire, from small village schools to large secondary and further education sites, giving advice that reflects how each building is used during term time, at events and through the holidays.
Medical Practices
GP surgeries, dental practices and clinics deal with risks that most offices never see, including sharps, clinical waste, lone working and aggressive behaviour from patients. Appointing a competent person for health and safety helps practices identify those risks and keep proportionate controls in place.
Our consultants support GP surgeries, dental practices and clinics in Bedfordshire with risk assessments, staff training and fire safety checks, so clinical teams can concentrate on patients while compliance stays in hand.
Places of Worship
Churches, mosques, temples and community halls welcome members of the public, often in older buildings looked after by volunteers. We help trustees and committee members understand their responsibilities and put sensible, proportionate measures in place.
Bedfordshire has a long religious history and some of the most diverse communities in the region, with historic parish churches alongside mosques, gurdwaras, temples and community centres, particularly in Luton and Bedford. Our assessments respect each building's character while making sure exits, fire precautions and busy events are managed properly.
“Very professional and insightful staff. The report received was also comprehensive”
Unique Projects
Some work does not fit a standard checklist, such as a temporary site, a building conversion or a business trying something new. We start by understanding exactly how the work will be done, then build the safety arrangements around it.
For one-off and complex projects in Bedfordshire, our team provides tailored risk management from early planning through to completion, so every stage is delivered safely.
Outdoor Events
Outdoor events bring large crowds, temporary structures and changing conditions, all of which need careful planning. We help organisers prepare event safety plans covering crowd management, fire precautions, contractor control and emergency arrangements.
Bedfordshire hosts riverside festivals in Bedford, air displays at Old Warden, shows at Woburn and community fairs throughout the year. We review site plans and safety documents for organisers across the county, so your event runs safely and meets the expectations of the local authority and emergency services.
What We Check as Your Competent Person for Health and Safety in Bedfordshire When Assessing Construction Site Safety
These are just some of the things we consider when completing an audit for construction health and safety:
Work Permits and Safety Documents: Review the documentation related to work permits, including hot work permits, confined space permits, and any other permits required for specific tasks. Ensure that safety documents, such as risk assessment and method statement, health and safety policies and procedures are in place and being followed. Ensure that the documentation is up to date, comprehensive, and accessible to all workers.
Hazard Identification: Identify and assess specific hazards associated with the construction activities being conducted and ensure control measures are in place. This may include evaluating risks related to working at heights, excavation, heavy machinery, electrical installations, confined spaces, hazardous substances, or any other construction-specific hazards.
Work at Height: Focus on work at height activities, such as scaffolding, ladders, and working platforms. Evaluate the adequacy of fall protection systems, guardrails, and other measures to prevent falls. Ensure that workers are trained in safe work at height practices.
Work Practices: Observe work practices and procedures to determine if safe working practices are being followed. Assess compliance with established protocols for tasks such as working at heights, lifting and handling materials, scaffolding, working in confined spaces, and hot work activities.
Machinery and Equipment: Inspect machinery, equipment, and tools used on the site to ensure they are in proper working order, regularly maintained, and used safely. Verify that operators are adequately trained and competent to operate the equipment.
Excavations and Trenches: Assess the safety of excavations and trenches, including proper shoring, trench boxes, and access/egress points. Verify that precautions are taken to prevent collapses and that workers are trained in excavation safety.
Emergency Preparedness: Evaluate the effectiveness of emergency response plans, first aid facilities, fire safety measures, evacuation procedures, emergency exits and fire protection systems. Ensure that necessary equipment, such as fire extinguishers, fire alarm, and emergency exits are accessible and in working order. Verify that workers are trained in emergency procedures and that drills are conducted regularly.
Site Conditions: We will inspect the construction site to identify potential hazards and unsafe conditions. This includes evaluating the general layout of the site, organisation, housekeeping, storage areas and accessibility of the site. Looking for potential trip or slip hazards, obstructions, uneven surfaces, or any other factors that may pose risks.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): We will review the use and availability of appropriate PPE for workers, such as hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, gloves, and safety footwear. Ensuring that workers are wearing and using PPE correctly, and that it is maintained, inspected, and replaced as needed.
Electrical Safety: Review electrical installations, equipment, and wiring to ensure compliance with electrical safety standards. Verify that circuit breakers, grounding, and lockout/tagout procedures are in place. Assess electrical safety training provided to workers.
Training and Competence: Evaluate the training and competency levels of workers, including their understanding of health and safety procedures and regulations. Verify that appropriate training has been provided, documented, and regularly updated.
Compliance with Regulations: Verify compliance with relevant health and safety regulations, codes, and standards applicable to the construction industry. This includes compliance with local, national, and industry-specific regulations, as well as any specific requirements stipulated in permits or contracts.
Contractor Management: Assess the management of contractors and subcontractors on the site and review the selection process, contract agreements, and communication channels. Ensure that contractors are complying with health and safety requirements, have appropriate insurance coverage, and are adhering to site-specific safety rules.
Our Popular Packages
Our clients often find that they would benefit from a package of our services that they require, rather than using each service individually. That’s why we have put together our most popular services into easy-to-understand packages for you:
Health and Safety Packages
Fire Safety Packages
Construction Health and Safety Packages
Latest News
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Areas Covered
Croydon, CR0, is our home, but our work can take us right across London and the South East of England.
You can find us across London, including Croydon, Bromley, Beckenham, Thornton Heath, Brixton, Streatham, Wimbledon, Battersea, Southwark, Greenwich, Lewisham, Kingston and Richmond.
Our coverage also extends across Surrey, Kent, Essex and Sussex, alongside Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. In addition, we operate in Suffolk.
So, if you need a specialist health and safety partner in Bedfordshire, whether you are based in Luton, Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Houghton Regis, Biggleswade or Ampthill, contact Ablemarsh. Our independent consultants will give you clear guidance and dependable support wherever your business operates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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A general risk assessment looks at the hazards in your workplace and decides how they should be controlled. Every employer must carry one out, and businesses with five or more employees have to record the significant findings in writing. We complete these assessments for warehouses, offices, shops and public buildings across Bedfordshire.
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A hazard is anything that could cause harm, such as a trailing cable or a cleaning chemical. A risk is how likely that harm is to happen and how serious it would be. Knowing the difference helps you put your time and money where they will have the greatest effect.
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It is the most reliable way to prevent accidents before they happen, and it is a legal requirement. A good assessment also reduces the cost of sickness absence, insurance claims and enforcement action. It is usually the first document an inspector asks to see.
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We look at physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and psychosocial hazards. That covers everything from slips and trips to hazardous substances, display screen use and work-related stress.
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In every workplace, including offices, shops, factories, schools, surgeries, building sites and event venues. Wherever people work or visit, the risks need to be assessed and controlled.
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Common examples include fire, working at height, manual handling, hazardous chemicals, repetitive strain and violence towards staff. Identifying them early means the right controls can be put in place before anyone is hurt.
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We identify the hazards, decide who might be harmed and how, evaluate the level of risk and agree practical controls. The findings are then recorded and a date is set for review.
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It should be done by someone with suitable training, knowledge and experience. If you do not have that expertise in house, an external health and safety consultant can carry it out for you. Our team provides this service to organisations throughout Bedfordshire.
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Yes. A risk assessment should be reviewed whenever something significant changes, such as new equipment, a new process, a change of premises or after an accident or near miss. Even without changes, we recommend a review at least once a year so the controls stay relevant.
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We look at how your premises are really used, who works there and the tasks they carry out. Every assessment reflects your actual risks rather than a generic template, whether your business is in Luton, Bedford or elsewhere in the county.
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