Health and safety at work etc act 1974

This article needs more work. To help develop this article, click ‘Edit this article.

It sets out the general duties which:

• employers have towards employees and members of the public
• employees have to themselves and to each other
• certain self-employed have towards themselves and others

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974:

• Applies to all workplaces including construction sites.
• Sets out general duties of employers, self-employed persons, persons in control of premises, employees, manufacturers and suppliers to safeguard the health and safety of employees and public who may be affected by their work.
• Failure to comply with the requirements of the Act is a criminal offence which can result in a prison sentence of up to 2 years prison and an unlimited fine.
• All health and safety regulations fall under this Act.
• Section 2 gives employers a duty to ensure the health and safety of employees as far as is reasonably practicable.
• Section 3 imposes a duty to ensure people who are not employees are not exposed to health and safety risks.
• Section 4 imposes a duty to ensure premises are safe and from risks to health.
• Sections 7 and 8 give employees a duty to take reasonable care.
• Section 37 provides that directors and managers can be liable personally for neglect or consent that leads to an offence under the Act.

[edit] Find out more

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).
• Asbestos.
• Building regulations.
• CDM.
• Cold stress.
• Competent person.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
• Crane regulations.
• Environmental health.
• Fee for intervention.
• First aider.
• Health and safety.
• Health and safety consultant.
• Health and Safety Executive.
• Health and safety file.
• Health and safety inspector.
• Health and safety offences, corporate manslaughter and food safety and hygiene offences definitive guideline.
• Health and safety policy.
• Notification to HSE.
• Personal protective equipment.
• Pre-construction information.
• Principal contractor.
• Reporting accidents and injuries on construction sites.
• Work at height regulations.