Overview of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 is the foundational legislation for occupational health and safety in Great Britain, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities.

Objective of the Act

The Act aims to ensure that all workers have the right to work in environments where health and safety risks are well-managed.

Role of Employers and Employees

While employers are primarily responsible for health and safety, employee cooperation is essential.

General Duties under the Act

The Act outlines duties for:

• Employers towards employees and the public.
• Employees towards themselves and each other.

'So Far as Is Reasonably Practicable'

This principle qualifies the duties, balancing risk against the measures needed to control it, considering cost, time, and trouble.

Good Management and Common Sense

The Act promotes sensible risk management, aligning legal requirements with good management practices and common sense.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

This regulation clarifies employers' duties under the Act, applicable to all work activities, with a key focus on risk assessment.

Risk Assessment Requirements

Employers are required to:

• Conduct risk assessments.
• Record significant findings if they have five or more employees.

Conclusion

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, along with related regulations, provides a comprehensive framework for managing health and safety in the workplace, ensuring the protection of workers and the public.