Health and Safety at Work legislation is reserved to the UK Government and is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE is responsible for the enforcement of the legislation covered in the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 [1] and associated Regulations [2-6] and can impose a variety of penalties for non-compliance.
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility. Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure the health and safety and welfare of all their employees, and to ensure that other people, who may be affected by the employers’ work activities (e.g. patients, visitors and contractors), are not exposed to risks to their health or safety, so far as is reasonably practicable.
All members of staff have a legal duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions at work. Employees must follow all guidance and instructions given to them by their employer about maintaining a safe working environment.
Sources of information
- Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Management of Health and Safety at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2006
- Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations 1989
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations) 1992
- Health and Safety law (leaflet) Health and Safety Executive (2009)