UK Health & Safety at Work Act 1974: Employer Responsibilities
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) is the primary UK legislation covering workplace health and safety. It places wide-ranging duties on employers to protect employees and others affected by work activities.
Key HSWA Requirements
- Assess workplace health/safety risks and eliminate/control them.
- Provide safe equipment and work systems.
- Ensure adequate employee training and supervision.
- Provide a safe workplace.
- Report work accidents/injuries.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces HSWA: investigates accidents, prosecutes offenders, advises employers.
Additional regulations address specific risks:
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR)
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (WHSWR)
Employers must comply with all relevant health and safety regulations.
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