Health and safety responsibilities

It is of primary importance for surveyors to take responsibility for the health and safety of themselves and those under their duty of care. All professionals should be familiar with the current edition of the RICS guidance note Surveying safely: health and safety principles for property professionals and adhere to the principles.

Legal responsibilities for health and safety may arise for a surveyor providing health and safety advice and/or who is considered to be in control of a building or workplace. This will include advice given to landlords and tenant/occupiers. The nature of advice a surveyor may provide to a landlord is likely to reflect such things as the type, condition and age of the building and the purpose for which the building is to be put.

Health and safety obligations and responsibilities arise in both criminal and civil law. Breaching legislation carries criminal penalties, including a fine and/or imprisonment.

This section is maintained by Jen Lemen of Property Elite.

RICS standards: Surveying safely: health and safety principles for property professionals

Checklist: Health and safety checklist for initial management inspections

RICS journal article: An A–Z of health and safety for APC