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Health and Safety Legislation

Here we clearly lay out the key points of health and safety regulation that employers need to comply with to protect employees from workplace risks.

• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

  These regulations superseded Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. They were put in place in order to support the overall heath, safety and welfare of those working in construction.

  They help those working in the industry to manage risks by helping to plan the jobs so risks are managed from the beginning; ensuring the right people are employed for the right job and work is coordinated between employees; the correct information is available to those who require it, and information is communicated effectively.

  You can learn more via the HSE here, or alternatively via Legislation.gov here.

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

  These regulations outline the general requirements which are imposed on employers in order for them to protect employees and other persons from harm and risk caused by hazardous substances.

  It covers a wide range of substances, though not those which have their own regulations. The substances it covers are those which are used in the workplace, such as chemicals, or ones which may be created by work activities, such as dust.

  It covers methods of protection to employees such as risk assessment, control of exposure, health surveillance and incident planning.

  This is also known as: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, or COSHH.

  You can learn more via the HSE here, or alternatively via Legislation.gov here.

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

  This is the primary piece of health and safety legislation that workplaces must adhere to. It covers health and safety regulations that workplaces must comply with, as well as statutory regulations for specific types of businesses and industries. It lays out a framework for managing workplace health and safety and details the general duties for everyone in the work place from employers and employees to those who help maintain health and safety. The Health and Safety Executive, local authorities and other relevant authorities are responsible for enforcing the Act, along with any other relevant Acts and statutory instruments relevant to health and safety at work.

  It is also known as: HSW, HSWA, HASAW 1974 or HASAWA.

  You can learn more about it here.

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

  These regulations relate to risk management in the workplace. They place a duty on the employer to assess and manage any risks that may occur to their employees or others whilst carrying out work activities. This includes making arrangements for emergencies and providing adequate training and information to their employees, who then must work safely in line with what they have learnt or been told.

  Learn more by clicking here.

• Personal Protective Equipment for Work Regulations 1992

  These regulations were created under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They place a duty on all employers to make sure that their employees are provided with suitable personal protective equipment when required.

  The regulations define Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as “all equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work which protects them against one of more risks to their health and safety.” However, the regulations do not apply where PPE requirements are detailed in other regulations.

  You can learn more here.

• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

  These regulations cover the use of equipment in the workplace, and includes any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation. It is relevant to the companies who own, operate or have control over work equipment, as well as businesses who employees use work equipment, whether owned by them or not.

  The regulations call for any equipment that is provided for use in the workplace to be suitable for the intended task, fit for purpose, installed correctly and its safety maintained. They also require that adequate training or instruction is given to anyone who uses the equipment, and that, if necessary, the equipment be supported by suitable health and safety measures.

  Please note that some work equipment is also subject to other health and safety legislation, in addition to these.

  These regulations are also known as PUWER.

  You can learn more via the HSE here, or alternatively via Legislation.gov here.

• Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 and Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996

  These regulations provide the law and guidance regarding how to consult and involve your employees and their representatives on health and safety matters in the workplace.

  They apply to the majority of workplaces, though you may not necessarily have to consult under both regulations, and, within them, there are specific requirements which apply to specific industries.

  They will be of use to employers, trade unions, appointed health and safety representatives, representatives of employee safety and members of health and safety committees.

  You can learn more by clicking here.

• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

  These regulations apply to almost all workplaces, the exceptions being those on a ship, those in an underground mine, or those involving construction work on a construction site, and they require employers to provide a safe workplace that is suitable for the work carried out. They cover a wide range of health, safety and welfare issues, and include provisions for comfort and sanitation; appropriate working environments and safety in the workplace. Within these provisions, they were detail the regulatory requirements for aspects such as ventilation, temperature, cleanliness, lighting, floor conditions, windows, etc.

  You can learn more here.