Health and safety legislation

Health and safety legislation

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

  • The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in the UK.
  • Places duties on employers to ensure the safety, as far as is reasonably practicable, of all workers and any other individuals impacted by their work.
  • Employees also have responsibilities under the Act, such as co-operating with their employers on health and safety matters.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

  • Places a duty on employers to assess and manage risks to their employees and others arising from work activities.
  • Also requires employers to provide adequate training and ensure that risks are either eliminated or reduced to the lowest reasonably practicable level.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

  • Requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health.
  • May require employers to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and control measures, such as ventilation or extraction, to reduce exposure to harmful substances.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

  • Relevant to the forestry and arboriculture industry because of the need to move heavy loads, such as logs.
  • Requires employers to avoid the need for employees to undertake manual handling operations that involve an element of risk.
  • Where it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate these operations, employers must assess the risk involved and reduce it to the lowest level reasonably practicable.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

  • Requires that all work equipment provided is safe to use, regularly inspected, and properly maintained.
  • May impact the forestry and arboriculture industry by requiring the regular servicing and maintenance of chainsaws, strimmers, or forestry vehicles.

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

  • Requires employers to provide employees with suitable personal protective equipment where there is a risk to health and safety that cannot be controlled in other ways.
  • In forestry and arboriculture work, this could include items such as safety boots, chainsaw-resistant trousers, and safety helmets.

The Working at Height Regulations 2005

  • Relevant to arboriculture where work often involves climbing trees or working at height using platforms or cherry pickers.
  • Requires employers to manage the risks associated with working at height, including preventing falls, using appropriate equipment, and planning for emergencies or rescue.