Under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 employers have a duty, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees at work. This duty incorporates the provision and maintenance of a safe and healthy workplace and working environment, including access and egress routes and welfare facilities. Employers have a further duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of non-employees who visit the employers undertaking.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations require that employers shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work, and the risks to the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him of his undertaking, for the purpose of identifying the measures he needs to take to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed upon him by or under the relevant statutory provisions.

The Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regulations require floors to be suitable, in good condition and free from obstructions. People must be able to move around safely.