Legislation and Regulations

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

This legislation ensures that employers are responsible for the health and safety of their employees and any other people who might be affected by their work, such as visitors or volunteers in a sports setting.
Staff must be provided with suitable training and protective equipment where necessary, and risks should be adequately controlled.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Employers should conduct risk assessments and act on their findings to reduce any risks associated with sports activities.
They should also have a written health and safety policy and an up to date emergency procedures plan.

Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002

In a sports setting, essential PPE might include helmets, shin guards or mouth guards. These should be suitable for the risk and environment, properly maintained and their use enforced by staff.

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Facilities such as sports centres should be suitably maintained and ventilated, with safe access and exits.
Adequate toilet facilities and drinking water must also be provided.

First Aid Regulations 1981

Employers are required to provide “adequate and appropriate” first aid facilities and staff. The level of provision needed will depend on the nature of the activities and the number of people involved.
For sports activities, this will generally include a first aid box and a person appointed to take charge of first aid arrangements.

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

This legislation requires employers to report certain serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases and specified dangerous occurrences (near miss accidents).
In a sports context, this might involve serious injury during a match or training session or a near-miss incident involving faulty equipment.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

This requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. In a sports setting, this might include cleaning materials or substances used in swimming pool management.
Sports centres should have COSHH assessments for any hazardous substances they use, and staff should be aware of how to use and store them safely.