Policy guidelines of Health and safety at work

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Health and safety law
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (2) is the law that deals with work-related health issues. The Act outlines the duties that employers, employees and the self-employed must follow in the workplace:

Employers must ensure as far as possible that the workplace is safe for their employees. They must assess and control all health and safety risks;
Employees must take responsibility for their health whilst at work. For example, wearing protective clothing if necessary and take steps to avoid accidents;
Self-employed people act as both employer and employee and must fulfil all obligations accordingly;
Employers, employees and the self-employed must take care of the health and safety of others (eg the public) who might be endangered by their work.

There are additional regulations for industries with greater risks such as mining, the oil industry, construction, transport and agriculture.

Enforcing health and safety law
The Health and Safety Commission is responsible for the administration of the Health and Safety at Work Act in Great Britain. The Commission is appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport, Environment and the Regions. Its role is:

To secure the health, safety and welfare of persons at work
to protect the public generally against risks to health or safety arising out of work activities and to control the keeping and use of explosives, highly flammable and other dangerous substances
to conduct and sponsor research; promote training and provide an information and advisory service
to review the adequacy of health and safety legislation and submits to Government proposals for new or revised regulations and approved codes of practice. (3)

The Commission in also responsible for gas safety under the Gas Act 1995 (4) and advises the Government on authorising the use of new pesticides.

In practice, the work of the Health and Safety Commission is carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and by local authorities (eg City Council, County Council). Responsibilities are divided in the following way:

HSE:Factories, building and construction sites, farms, mines, quarries, fairgrounds, railways, chemical plants, power stations.

Local Authorities:Shops, some warehouses, offices, leisure and consumer services, hotels, restaurants, places of worship.

HSE local offices are situated across Great Britain. For more information see the HSE website (5) or ring their information line on 08701 545 500.