Legislation

It is important to know how workplace health and safety legislation applies to you.

Do you know your legal responsibilities?

As an employer you have a legal responsibility to protect the health and safety of your staff and other people – such as customers and members of the public – who may be affected by their work. In general, employers must:

• Ensure the workplace safe and eliminate or control risks to health
• Ensure plant and machinery are safe and that safe systems of work are set and followed
• Ensure articles and substances are moved, stored and used safely
• Provide adequate welfare facilities
• Give workers the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary for their health and safety
• Consult workers on health and safety matters

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 in an Enabling Act, allowing further Regulations to be made without the need to pass another Act.  Applicable regulations in the UK include the following:

• The Environmental Protection Act 1990
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
• The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
• The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
• The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
• The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
• The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (Amendment) Regulations 2012
• The Work at Height Regulations 2005
• The Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992

If you aren't sure what you need to have in place or would like further guidance or support ensuring compliance with UK Health and Safety Legislation please call us on 01476 566665.