The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary piece of legislation covering
occupational health and safety. Under this Act, the employer, the workers and the individuals being supported have responsibilities to ensure safety is maintained in the workplace. Your employer should display a copy of this Act on their main premises. The main purpose of the legislation is:
To secure the health, safety and welfare of people at work
To protect others from risks arising from the activities of people at work
To control the use and storage of dangerous substances
To control the emission into the atmosphere of noxious or offensive substances
Other key pieces of legislation that sit alongside and support the Health and Safety at Work Act are:
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 emphasize
what employers are required to achieve under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (known as COSHH)
require employers to control substances that can harm workers' health.
The Manual Handling Regulations 1992 sets out requirements for manual
handling and moving and handling of people.
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
1985 (known as RIDDOR) sets out what needs to be reported.
My employer has policies and procedures covering a wide range of health and safety
subjects to incorporate the legal requirements. Here are some of the policies and procedures:
Personal safety and lone working
Fire safety
Food safety and hygiene
What to do in the event of an emergency
Risk assessments
Smoking at work
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) for people working with computers
Use of chemicals and waste disposal
Moving and handling of people and objects
Personal hygiene
Infection control
Security measures and visitors
In health and safety my responsibilities are:
Take reasonable care of your health and safety
Take reasonable care not to put other...