There are many regulations made under the Health and Safety at Work (etc) Act 1974, which specify a wide range of detailed requirements on businesses. Some of the regulations also have Guidance Documents or Codes of Practice to give examples of how it is possible to comply with the law.
Often, it is necessary to have a technical knowledge of both the procedures of your business and the detail of the law in order to ensure compliance. One of the fundamental points to get right is the company risk assessment, whereby all significant hazards are assessed and the risk of injury reduced. Many of the regulations have their own particular requirements on risk assessment, such as those relating to VDUs, lifting, chemicals and working at height. Our solicitors have experience of the various requirements and can assist you in applying the law.
Some of the 200 or so sets of regulations currently in force are ;
- Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969: requiring employers to take out insurance against accidents and ill health to their employees.
- The Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations 1989: requiring employers to display a poster telling employees what they need to know about health and safety.
- Noise at Work Regulations 1989: requiring employers to take action to protect employees from hearing damage.
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989: requiring people in control of electrical systems to ensure they are safe to use and maintained in a safe condition.
- Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981: cover requirements for first aid.
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992: requiring basic health, safety and welfare issues such as ventilation, heating, lighting, workstations, seating and welfare facilities.
- Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992: requirements for work with Visual Display Units (VDUs).
- Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992: requiring employers to provide appropriate protective clothing and equipment for their employees.
- Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 : requiring employers to notify certain occupational injuries, diseases and dangerous events.
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998: requiring that equipment provided for use at work, including machinery, is safe. 6 Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992: cover the moving of objects by hand or bodily force.
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: requiring employers to carry out risk assessments, make arrangements to implement necessary measures, appoint competent people and arrange for appropriate information and training.
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002: requiring employers to assess the risks from hazardous substances and take appropriate precautions
Details of health and safety offences and penalties can be found here.
