Your legal obligation
Why podiatrists need a specific risk assessment
Health and safety responsibilities depend on the work you do, who could be affected and whether you employ anyone. Relevant hazards in podiatry and chiropody can include sharps, infection prevention, instrument handling, clinical waste, slips and lone working. Risk assessment and appropriate controls are central to managing those risks. Written records and specific policies may be required depending on your circumstances; for example, employers with five or more employees must record significant risk assessment findings. Check current HSE guidance and any sector-specific requirements. A purchased pack helps you organise your information but does not replace inspecting your own workplace, implementing controls or obtaining specialist advice when needed.
The real problem
Podiatry risk assessments often do not adequately address sharps disposal and cross-contamination protocols
Free templates can be helpful, but you still need to work out which hazards and controls apply to your podiatry and chiropody business. Our questionnaire uses your answers to tailor the pack, giving you a clearer starting point to check, adapt and implement.
£47.99 one-off
Five personalised core PDF documents plus five supporting Word files. No subscription. Access, edit and regenerate your core documents in your account for 12 months; review them before use.
Your trade, specifically
The risks and requirements specific to your work
Podiatrists work with hazardous chemicals including methylmethacrylate (MMA) and ethyl methacrylate (EMA) in acrylic nail treatments, salicylic acid solutions for wart removal, and topical antifungal agents like terbinafine. Sharp instruments pose daily risks: scalpels, nail files, curettes, and rotary burrs used for callus removal and nail debridement create cut and puncture wounds. Electrical equipment including autoclave sterilisers, foot spas with heating elements, and nail drill machines with high-speed rotating burrs require PAT testing and safety protocols. You handle client feet with potential exposure to fungal infections, verrucas, bacterial cellulitis, and bloodborne pathogens from minor cuts. Repetitive strain affects hands, wrists, and shoulders from sustained positioning and fine motor control during procedures. Skin exposure to chemicals causes dermatitis and sensitisation. Your workplace involves standing for extended periods, managing waste including sharps and chemical-contaminated materials, and potentially working in confined spaces. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires you to conduct formal risk assessments identifying these specific hazards, implement control measures, and maintain documented evidence of compliance.
The cost of getting it wrong
What happens without proper documentation
Poorly managed health and safety can lead to accidents, disruption, enforcement action or claims, depending on the circumstances. For podiatrists and chiropodists, sensible priorities include sharps, infection prevention, instrument handling, clinical waste, slips and lone working. Buying documents alone does not remove those risks; the important step is to assess the work and follow appropriate controls.