Health and safety compliance is a core responsibility for every UK caravan and holiday park operator. With a mix of accommodation, public areas, staff workplaces and high visitor turnover, parks must manage a wide range of risks. Meeting health and safety obligations is essential not only for legal compliance but also for protecting guests, staff and the long‑term reputation of the park.
This guide explains what health and safety law requires from park operators, when duties apply, and the common issues that lead to enforcement action.
What Are Health & Safety Responsibilities for Park Operators?
Holiday parks fall under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which requires operators to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable:
- The health and safety of employees
- The safety of guests and visitors
- Safe operation of facilities and equipment
- Proper maintenance of buildings, utilities and infrastructure
Operators must also comply with specific regulations covering:
- Gas safety
- Electrical safety
- Water hygiene and legionella
- Playground and pool safety
- Workplace safety for staff
- Fire safety (covered separately)
Health and safety duties apply to all areas of the park, including rental units, communal buildings, shops, cafés, workshops and outdoor spaces.
When Health & Safety Duties Apply
Health and safety responsibilities apply:
- At all times the park is open
- During maintenance and construction work
- To all staff, including seasonal workers
- To all guests, owners and contractors
- To all facilities and public areas
Operators must also review health and safety arrangements when:
- New facilities are added
- Layouts change
- Incidents occur
- Staff roles change
- Regulations or guidance are updated
Operator Responsibilities Under Health & Safety Law
1. Risk Assessments
Operators must carry out written risk assessments covering:
- Slips, trips and falls
- Water hygiene and legionella
- Gas and electrical installations
- Play areas and leisure facilities
- Traffic management and vehicle movement
- Workplace hazards for staff
Assessments must be reviewed regularly and after any significant change.
2. Safe Maintenance of Facilities
Operators must ensure:
- Roads, paths and lighting are maintained
- Playgrounds and equipment are inspected
- Pools and water features meet safety standards
- Buildings and structures are kept in good repair
3. Gas & Electrical Safety
Parks must comply with:
- Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations
- Electrical installation inspection requirements
This includes annual gas checks and periodic electrical testing.
4. Water Hygiene & Legionella Control
Operators must manage risks in:
- Hot and cold water systems
- Showers and wash blocks
- Pools and spas
- Storage tanks and pipework
5. Staff Training & Competence
All staff must receive training appropriate to their role, including:
- Health and safety awareness
- Manual handling
- COSHH (where relevant)
- Emergency procedures
6. Guest Information
Clear communication helps reduce risk, including:
- Safety signage
- Pool and playground rules
- Emergency contact information
Local Authority Role & Inspections
Local authorities and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE):
- Inspect parks for compliance
- Investigate accidents and complaints
- Review documentation and risk assessments
- Issue improvement or prohibition notices
- Prosecute serious breaches
Inspections may be scheduled or triggered by incidents.
Common Compliance Issues
Typical health and safety problems include:
- Poorly maintained paths and lighting
- Inadequate water‑hygiene controls
- Outdated risk assessments
- Insufficient staff training
- Poor documentation of inspections
- Unsafe playground or pool equipment
These issues often arise from seasonal pressures or inconsistent internal checks.
Key Takeaways for Park Operators
- Health and safety law applies to all areas of a holiday park.
- Operators must complete and maintain written risk assessments.
- Gas, electrical and water‑hygiene safety are critical compliance areas.
- Staff training and clear guest communication reduce risk significantly.
- Local authorities and the HSE can take enforcement action for breaches.
- Regular internal audits help maintain year‑round compliance.
