Part 1, section 2, paragraph 2d places an obligation upon all employers to ensure their buildings and premises are maintained in a safe condition. This includes all points of access and egress to the building(s) and all outside areas such as roads and paths within the confines of the premises.

Where the building is leased the employer will need to check with the landlord as to their responsibilities. In the majority of cases the employer will be responsible for the day to day wear and tear, where as the landlord will probably responsible for major structural defects.

Maintenance checks to ensure that the building remains in a safe condition should be carried out as often as required. In small premises walking about during the course of the normal working day should identify the majority of problems. In larger premises you may need a structured plan so that little used areas are not missed. A maintenance log should be used to record that the area has been checked and defects noted this could then be used for planning maintenance schedules.