Health and Safety legislation

Legislation covering the safety, health and welfare of people at work is set out in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

This includes:

• management of the systems of work necessary to achieve a safe working environment
• the requirements for the control of safety, health and welfare at work
• identification of responsibilities and roles of employers and employees

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 sets out the requirements of employers, employees and others with regard to:

• place of work
• work equipment
• provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• manual handling of loads
• electricity
• provision and use of display screen equipment (DSE)
• work at height
• control of noise
• control of vibration at work
• protection of children and young persons
• protection of pregnant, postnatal and breastfeeding employees
• first aid
• safety signage
• explosive atmospheres

Manager responsibilities

As a manager, you are responsible for ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of your employees.

This includes the provision of:

• a safe place of work
• safe systems of work
• competent employees
• safe equipment

You must also ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that people in your place of work, who are not your employees, are not exposed to safety, health or welfare risks.

Employee responsibilities

As an employee, you must follow the relevant statutory provisions as appropriate. You must take reasonable care to protect your safety, health and welfare, and that of others, affected by your work activities.

Acts and Regulations

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007

Guidance on the SHWW (Reporting of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences) Regulations 2016

List of legislation from the HSA