The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is the main law covering health and safety in workplaces in Great Britain. The Act also created the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which enforces health and safety law along with local authorities. Many more detailed regulations have since been made under the Act, covering specific risks such as manual handling, display screen equipment and hazardous substances. It is one of the most important pieces of employment-related legislation in the UK.
What the Act Requires
Under the Act, employers have a general duty to protect, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees and of other people affected by their work. This includes providing safe equipment and systems of work, information, training and supervision, and assessing risks. Employees also have a duty to take reasonable care of themselves and others and to co-operate with their employer on health and safety.
The Benefits
The Act has helped to reduce workplace injuries and deaths dramatically since the 1970s. Good health and safety practice protects workers, reduces sickness absence, and helps businesses avoid accidents, fines and claims. Workers who are treated unfairly for raising health and safety concerns, or who face discrimination at work, may be able to bring a claim to an employment tribunal.
Getting Support
An Occupational Health Wales company such as Insight Occupational health can help you make sure you are doing all you can to keep your employees safe and healthy at work.