Current and Relevant Legislation

Current and Relevant Legislation

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

  • The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is a key legislation setting general responsibilities for employers and employees regarding health and safety in the workplace.
  • The Act imposes a duty on employers to ensure, as far as reasonably possible, the health, safety and welfare of their employees.
  • It also includes obligations for employees, such as taking care of their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

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

  • The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 is aimed specifically at controlling the risks from exposure to hazardous substances.
  • It requires employers to prevent, or if not possible, reduce to a minimum, the exposure to harmful substances.
  • This includes pathogens which may cause infection, making this law crucially important in health and social care settings.

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

  • Under The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013, employers and those in control of premises are required to report work-related deaths, major injuries, and cases of disease related to work.
  • In a health and social care setting, this could include outbreaks of infection such as norovirus or MRSA.

The Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984

  • The Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 is a law that provides local agencies with the authority to prevent and manage infectious diseases.
  • This can range from requiring a person to be medically examined to enforcing a school closure during an outbreak.

The Health and Social Care Act 2008

  • The Health and Social Care Act 2008 governs responsibilities of care providers to ensure cleanliness and infection control.
  • It requires those registered to provide standard infection prevention and control measures, to protect individuals in their care.

Understanding these legislations can help health and social care providers create safer environments for their clients and become more accountable for their actions. It’s also vital that these laws are adhered to, in order to minimize the risk of infection and to promote a high standard of health and well-being for everyone involved in care.