A Health and safety law training programme for employers This programme has been set up to guide employers on some of the basic H&S legislation in the workplace Andrew Wight

Health and safety at work act 1974 Main aims This is probably the most important legislation it is quite complex but has the following main aims Management of the workplace must by law Take steps to ensure the safety of their workforce (e.g. provide any P.P.E required free of charge) Take steps to ensure the safety of visitors, customers and the public who enter the workplace Employees must Take reasonable steps to protect themselves and others in the workplace Co-opertate with management in ensuring a safe workplace More information at

Control of Substances hazardous to health regulations (amendment) 2004 COSHH is the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. You can prevent or reduce workers exposure to hazardous substances by:substances that are hazardous to health finding out what the health hazards are; deciding how to prevent harm to health providing control measures to reduce harm to health; making sure they are used ; keeping all control measures in good working order; providing information, instruction and training for employees and others; providing monitoring and health surveillance in appropriate cases; planning for emergencies. More information at pdf pdf

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPEWR) What do the Regulations require? PPE should be used as a last resort. Wherever there are risks to health and safetythat cannot be adequately controlled in other ways, the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require PPE to be supplied. The Regulations also require that PPE is: properly assessed before use to make sure it is fit for purpose; maintained and stored properly; provided with instructions on how to use it safely; used correctly by employees. More information at

Manual Handling Regulations (MHR) These regulations are aimed at preventing injuries caused by lifting or moving awkward objects Employers must assess the risk of any lifting operations that staff may need to do and if possible eliminate the operation (for example by using a fork lift) or ensure workers are trained in and use safe lifting methods. More information at

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) PUWER requires that equipment provided for use at work is: suitable for the intended use safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training accompanied by suitable health and safety measures, such as protective devices and controls. These will normally include emergency stop devices, adequate means of isolation from sources of energy, clearly visible markings and warning devices used in accordance with specific requirements, for mobile work equipment and power presses More information at machinery/puwer.htm

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (the Management Regulations) The main requirement on employers is to carry out a risk assessment. Employers with five or more employees need to record the significant findings of the risk assessment.

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992: This cover a wide range of basic health, safety and welfare issues such as ventilation, heating, lighting, workstations, seating and welfare facilities. More information at

Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981: The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with less than five employees and to the self-employed. More information at

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 requires employers to notify certain occupational injuries, diseases and dangerous events More information at

The Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations 1989: All employers are required to display or provide their employees with the information contained in the poster:- "Health and Safety Law - What You Should Know" - setting out basic information on health and safety law By law, employers must consult all their employees on any matter that may substantially affect their health and safety in the workplace. More information at

Noise at Work Regulations 1989: requires employers to take action to protect employees from hearing damage. More information at

Further information A great source of information on H&S law can be found at