COMPETENT PERSON FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY in BERKSHIRE
Practical health and safety support for employers who want to stay compliant without the guesswork. We work with businesses across Berkshire, from Reading and Slough to Bracknell, Newbury and Windsor.
★★★★★
“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 Berkshire
Every employer must have access to a competent person for health and safety, a duty set out in the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Few smaller firms have that expertise in house, so many appoint an external consultant to fill the role. For businesses in Berkshire, Ablemarsh provides a named adviser who gets to know your premises, your people and the risks that come with your work.
The county’s economy covers a wide mix of workplaces. Technology and pharmaceutical offices line the M4 corridor, Slough’s trading estate is full of warehousing and manufacturing, and there are schools, surgeries, race days and new housing developments throughout. Our advice is shaped around how each site actually runs, whether that is a shared office in Reading or a distribution unit near Heathrow.
Putting the right health and safety competence in place protects your staff and visitors, reduces the chance of claims and keeps you ready for an inspection. Employers across Berkshire come to us for clear, sensible advice 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.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person for any non-domestic building must keep a suitable fire risk assessment up to date. In Berkshire, fire safety law is enforced by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service. We inspect your premises, identify the hazards and give you a prioritised action plan, so you are prepared if an inspecting officer calls.
Construction Safety
Site audits show whether your safety controls are working on the ground, not just in the paperwork. Acting as your competent person for construction health and safety, we inspect sites against the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and point out what needs to change. Building work in Berkshire ranges from regeneration schemes in Reading and Slough to home extensions and office fit-outs, and our audits are scaled to suit each one.
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.
Housing in Berkshire includes Victorian houses converted into flats, older purpose-built blocks and new apartment buildings close to the county’s main stations. Each type brings its own risks, so we assess every building individually, protecting residents and giving you documentation that stands 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. Building firms working in Berkshire get fewer surprises, safer crews 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 in Berkshire, particularly around Reading, Bracknell and Maidenhead, house several tenants under one roof. We help facilities managers set out who is responsible for shared areas, plant rooms and escape routes, so nothing falls through the gaps.
“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 education settings in Berkshire, from primary schools to independent colleges, giving advice that reflects how each site is used during term time and over 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 medical practices in Berkshire with risk assessments, staff training and fire safety checks, so clinical teams can concentrate on patient care knowing compliance is being looked after.
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.
Berkshire has many historic places of worship alongside newer community centres. Our assessments respect the character of each building while making sure exits, fire precautions and event use are properly managed.
“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 Berkshire, our team provides tailored risk management from early planning through to completion, so each stage is carried out 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.
Berkshire hosts a busy calendar of race meetings, music festivals, fairs and community gatherings. We review site layouts and documentation for event teams 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 Berkshire 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 and Berkshire. In addition, we operate in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Suffolk.
So, if you need a specialist health and safety partner in Berkshire, whether you are in Reading, Slough, Bracknell, Wokingham, Newbury, Maidenhead or Windsor, contact Ablemarsh. Our independent consultants will give you clear guidance and dependable support wherever your business is based.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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A general risk assessment identifies the hazards in your workplace and decides how they should be controlled. Every employer is legally required to carry one out, and businesses with five or more employees must record the significant findings in writing. We complete these assessments for offices, shops, warehouses and public buildings across Berkshire.
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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 carried out by someone with the right training, knowledge and experience. If that expertise is not available in house, an external health and safety consultant can complete it for you. Our team provides this service to organisations throughout Berkshire.
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We look at how your building is actually used, who works there and the tasks they carry out. Every assessment reflects your real risks rather than a generic template, whether your business is in Reading, Slough or elsewhere in the county.
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We look at how your building is actually used, who works there and the tasks they carry out. Every assessment reflects your real risks rather than a generic template, whether your business is in Reading, Slough or elsewhere in the county.
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