Legal responsibilities and legislation

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

  • This involves ensuring staff wellbeing on the job, which includes both their physical and mental health.
  • It’s the duty of each employee to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts at work.
  • Employees have a legal obligation to cooperate with employers and co-workers to help everyone meet their legal requirements.

Food Safety Act 1990

  • This act makes it an offence for anyone to sell or process food for sale which is unfit, injurious to health or not of the nature, substance or quality demanded by the purchaser.
  • Catering establishments must ensure that food hygiene is of the highest standard.
  • Businesses must ensure they follow the rules on food labelling and ensure that food is not wrongly described.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

  • Involves the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health.
  • You can prevent or reduce workers exposure to hazardous substances by finding out what the health hazards are; deciding how to prevent harm to health; and providing control measures to reduce harm to health.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

  • Puts obligation on individuals within an organisation to carry out risk assessments to identify, manage and reduce the risk of fire.
  • Ensures that emergency plans and procedures are in place.
  • Employees must receive appropriate information, fire safety instruction and training.

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

  • Reduces the risk of injury from manual handling operations - lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying.
  • Loads to be moved could include cases of drinks, bags of vegetables, dishes stacked on a trolley.
  • The risks must be assessed and avoided or reduced.

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)

  • Employers and people in control of work premises should report serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases and specific dangerous occurrences (near misses).
  • Correct reporting helps to ensure that workplaces are safe environments.
  • Understanding and following RIDDOR is an important aspect of health and safety in the workplace.

Licensing Act 2003

  • Endorses the adherence to rules and regulations around alcohol sales.
  • This includes the serving of alcohol, the times at which alcohol is served, and to whom it can be served.
  • The act promotes safety and public satisfaction in hospitality venues serving alcohol.