What is the main legislation covering this area?

The main legislation concerning health and safety is the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (hswa 1974). HSWA 1974:

1. •

   sets out:

   1. ◦

      the broad health and safety duties which may apply in a work context,

   2. ◦

      the enforcement regime for ensuring duties are properly discharged

2. •

   enables subordinate legislation to be made

There are more than 600 subordinate regulations which have been made under HSWA 1974. Quite often the regulations set out prescriptive obligations which must be adhered to. The regulations fall broadly into three categories and deal with:

1. •

   the way in which particular activities must be carried out

2. •

   management of health and safety functions, and

3. •

   issues specific to the sector or industry

As such, in any given case much of the subordinate legislation will not be applicable. However, it is important in each case to be aware of the applicable legislative framework.

In addition, the Health and Safety executive (hse) also publishes