Health and Safety at Work

The main piece of legislation that relates to health and safety is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It provides the legal framework to promote, stimulate and encourage high standards. The main provisions of this Act which relate directly to employers, the self-employed and employees are:

Duties:

• The duty of employers to provide and maintain:
  - safe plant and safe systems of work
  - safe handling, storage, maintenance and transport of (work) articles and substances
  - necessary information, instruction, training and supervision
  - a safe place of work with safe access and egress
  - a safe working environment with adequate welfare facilities
• The duty of employers with five or more employees to prepare and revise, as necessary, a written statement of safety policy.
• The duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such away that the self-employed, other employees and the public are not exposed to danger or to risks to health and safety from work activities.
• The duty of every employer to consult with employees on health and safety matters.
• The duty of every self-employed person to conduct his undertaking in such away that he and others are not exposed to risks to their health and safety.
• The duty of every employee while at work to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and others that may be affected by his acts or omissions at work.
• The duty of every employee while at work not to intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare.
• The duty of every employer not to charge employees for any measures which he is required to provide in the interests of health and safety, for example, personal protective equipment.
• These provisions are dealt with in more detail in the specific regulations made under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

References

1. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (LEGUK)
2. Essentials of Health and Safety at Work (HSE-Health and Safety Executive)
3. Principles of Health and Safety at Work (Alan St.John Holt)
4. Handbook of Health and Safety Practices (Jeremy Stranks)
5. HSC 3: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – Advice to employers (HSC-Health and Safety Commission)
6. HSC 13: Health and Safety Regulations – A short guide (HSE)
7. INDG 259: An Introduction to Health and Safety – Health and safety in small firms (HSE)
8. INDG 322: Need Help on Health and Safety? - Guidance for Employers on When and How to get Advice on Health and Safety (HSE)
9. INDG 324: Stating Your Business - Guidance on Preparing a Health and Safety Policy Document for Small Firms Publisher (HSE).