Health & Safety Legislation Guide
As an employer, ensuring the health and safety of your workforce is not only a moral obligation but a legal requirement. This duty extends to all employees, including lone workers, homeworkers, and temporary workers. To do this, you must comply with several pieces of UK health and safety legislation, including:
- The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007
- Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023
Where a workplace incident occurs as the result of a breach of these health and safety laws, employers can face criminal proceedings and be fined up to £10 million by the HSE. Not only can these fines have a significant financial impact, but they can also damage an organisation’s reputation, resulting in increased insurance premiums, reduced productivity, and decreased employee morale. Given conviction rates of up to 93%, it is crucial for employers to do all they can to comply with health and safety legislation and protect their staff.
The guide clearly lays out the responsibilities of employers under health and safety legislation and provides practical tips on how to comply with them. By understanding and complying with these regulations, employers can create a safer work environment and protect their organisation from potential legal consequences.
