Health and safety regulations

Key UK legislation: The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary legislation covering occupational health and safety in the UK. It sets the legal duties employers must adhere to keep their workplace safe.
Obligations on employers: Employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and others affected by their work.
Obligations on employees: Workers also have duty under HSWA to take care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions.

Risk assessment: Employers must conduct risk assessments to identify and reduce workplace hazards.
Training and instruction: Employers need to provide appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure safety.
Safe facilities: Adequate welfare provisions should be made, like lavatories, washing facilities, and drinking water.
First-aid: Suitable first-aid facilities must be provided.
Insurance: Employers must hold compulsory insurance against accidents and illness caused by work.
Consultation: Employers should involve and consult workers on health and safety matters.

Specific provisions: These regulations supplement the HSWA 1974, setting out additional requirements for issues such as ventilation, heating, lighting, seating and cleanliness within the workplace.
Regular maintenance: It requires workplaces, equipment, devices, and systems to be maintained in a safe and efficient state.
Traffic routes: Sufficient and safe traffic routes should be provided in the workplace.

Prevent accidents: Proper health and safety measures help prevent accidents and illnesses in the workplace.
Legal compliance: Non-compliance can lead to prosecution, heavy fines, and even imprisonment.
Protect employer’s reputation: A good health and safety record enhances a company’s reputation with customers, suppliers, and staff.
Reduce costs: Accidents and ill health cost money in lost work time, repair costs, higher insurance premiums, and potential litigation.

Prosecution: Breach of health and safety law is a criminal offence, and employers can be prosecuted.
Fines: Employers can be fined for breaches in Health and Safety law. In serious offences, unlimited fines can be levied.
Imprisonment: For the most serious offences, custodial sentences can be imposed.
Damage to business reputation: Non-compliance can lead to negative publicity and loss of business.
Potential lawsuits: Employees or their dependants may sue for compensation for injury or disease caused by their work.