Support Children and Young Peoples Health and Safety

Health and safety at work act 1974

All employment settings have responsibility as laid down in the health and safety at work act 1974 for Great Britain. This act places overall responsibility for health and safety with the employer but also duties on employees, so everyone in a setting has some responsibility for the health and safety of anyone who is there.

The act covers the conditions in which places of work must be kept-
  * Buildings should be well maintained and designed with the safety of the users in mind
  * The general environment should be clean and safe
  * Equipment must be safely used and stored
  * Working practice must promote the health and safety of children

All employees should be aware of the written statement of safety policy that is required under the act. The act also provides for the protection of employees:
  * The workplace should be safe and not pose a risk to employees’   health
  * Safe systems of working should be in place
  * Articles and substances should be stored and used safely
  * Adequate welfare facilities should be available
  * Appropriate information, training and supervision should be made for the health and safety of employees
  * Any protective clothing needed should be provided free of charge
  * Certain injuries, diseases and occurrences should be reported to the health and safety executive
  * First aid facilities should be provided
  * A safety representative should be consulted about issues affecting health and safety in the workplace.

It stipulates the legal duties of employees
  * Employees should take care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions
  * Employees should cooperate with their employer on health and safety.