Under the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HaSaWA), everyone is. Being safe is a shared responsibility.
Compliance with legislation and the rules it imposes is a strict requirement that all employers must follow. In turn, all employees should follow their workplace health and safety practices.
Duties and Responsibilities
HaSaWA places duties on different people to keep workplaces safe.
- Under section 2, employers must protect their employees and others by:
- Ensuring safe working practices
- Keeping machinery and equipment safe and well-maintained
- Storing and using harmful substances safely
- Providing healthy working conditions
- Under section 3, self-employed people must ensure their own safety and not put others at risk, including:
- Members of the public
- Other self-employed workers or contractors
- Volunteer workers
- Any others who may be involved in their activities
- Under section 4, people in control of premises or equipment must make sure they are safe for anyone using them.
- Under sections 6, designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers must ensure equipment and machinery is safe by:
- Designing and manufacturing it to be safe when being installed, dismantled, operated and maintained
- Carrying out suitable checks and test to prove this is the case
- Providing clear instructions for safe use, maintenance and inspection
- Sharing safety updates when needed
- Under section 7, employees must take care of their own safety and that of others around them, and follow workplace safety rules
In Summary
Legislation upholds that health and safety is a shared workplace responsibility that applies to everyone. From employers and employees to self-employed individuals and equipment suppliers, each has a duty to prevent harm and promote safe practices. By working together and following these responsibilities, risks can be reduced, creating a safer and healthier environment for all.