Workplace safety

Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA 1974) is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety.

In summary, as an employer, an organisation has a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of its employees at work and others who may be affected by what it does or does not do.

In particular, an organisation’s duty extends, so far as is reasonably practicable, to:

1. •

   ensuring the provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health

2. •

   having arrangements in place for ensuring safety and absence of risks to health in connection