Legislation

Health and Safety legislation is in place to keep workers and employees safe. The full legislation can be found at the Health and Safety executives web site. [ www.hse.gov.uk] The Regulations require that employers must have suitable people, equipment and facilities in order to provide first aid to their employees who may become injured or ill at work.

Employers are required by law to make and carry out assessments of significant risks in the workplace and to provide adequate safety precautions to guard against injury. Employers are required to ascertain the risks and injuries/ill health that may arise from an accident at their work place.

It is important for employers to fully understand the health and safety issues that are specific to their working environment and that may cause harm to employees. It is necessary to assess and adequately understand such things as:


cross logo Health and Safety Act 1974

This act is a major piece of legislation which covers all persons whenever they are at work. It has eight main sections related to the general health and safety duties required of employers and employees. There are specific areas of coverage within the act that may change over time, these can be updated and revised to be more comprehensive.

The Government department that is responsible for the policy is the Health and Safety Commission, and the enforcing body is the Health and Safety Executive. If a breach of the regulations takes place, the HSE inspector may issue an enforcement notice.


cross logo Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981

This regulation defines First Aid at work. It places a general obligation on employers to make adequate provisions in the event of an accident or if somebody becomes ill.


cross logo Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992

This is a major part of the EC legislation that was brought out to protect employees. It contains 12 specific regulations covering: Risk Assessment, Health and Safety Arrangements and Assistance, Health Surveillance, Danger Procedures, Information for Employees- their Duties, Capabilities and Training, advice on Co-operation and co-ordination and for persons working in host employers undertakings. One of the main conditions requires that all employers conduct a Risk Assessment (and that this should be recorded) where there are 5 or more employees. The outcome of the risk assessment will identify areas covered by regulations.


cross logo Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

This is part of the European Union "6 Pack" which became effective on the 1st January 1993. It requires that individual protection is provided for any staff required to use potentially hazardous equipment or work in hazardous areas.

The use of Personal Protective Equipment should only be considered where danger cannot be controlled or modified by any other means. Employers should consider it a final resort and not the first, cheapest option. It covers the provision of such items as protective boots, gloves, eye protection, etc.


cross logo Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995.

These regulations require that any major injuries, illnesses or accidents occurring in the workplace are formally reported to the enforcing officer. The regulation defines major injuries and lists notifiable diseases - many of which can be occupational in origin.


cross logo Control of Substance Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994 (COSHH)

These regulations define substances that may cause ill-health, including dust, fumes, biological and chemical agents such as paints and cleaning materials. Employers are required to assess the risks presented by these substances and put into place appropriate measures to prevent or control them. This may require modification of work practises, staff training, use of suitable PPE or replacement with safer alternatives.