Health & Safety

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

This Act represented a new departure in safety legislation and has become the mainstay of health and safety in industry since then. Under the Act, the responsibility of ensuring the health, safety and welfare of employees is placed firmly with employers, as far as is reasonably practical. Employers are required under this Act to provide a safe working environment. This is done in three ways.

Premises

The provision and maintenance of premises that are safe to work in and that meet the standards of cleanliness and hygiene without risk to health.

Equipment

The provision and maintenance of equipment that is safe to use, and adequate arrangements made to ensure the safe use, handling and storage of any hazardous substances.

Training

The provision of all information, training and supervision necessary to ensure the health and safety of workers.

This, and the other laws relating to health and safety, are enforced by inspectors who work for the Health and Safety Executive. Inspectors have the legal right to enter and inspect premises and can issue improvement notices which instruct the employer to carry out any necessary improvements to achieve the required standard of health and safety. Failure to carry out any improvements within a reasonable time can result in the business premises being closed down as unfit places in which to work.

 

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