What is Legislation?

• Legislation refers to the laws or acts passed by a governing body.
• In construction, numerous pieces of legislation exist that aim to ensure safety and security on worksites.
• It is essential for anyone involved in construction to understand and adhere to these laws.

Common Legislation in the Construction Industry

Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)

• This is a fundamental piece of legislation that establishes general duties for employers, employees, and others in the workplace.
• It requires employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all their employees.
• This ranges from providing safe plants and systems, to ensuring the maintenance of safe access and exits.

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM 2015)

• This legislation is specific to the construction industry and outlines the management of health, safety and welfare.
• It places specific responsibilities on clients, including those who work on their behalf, such as designers and contractors.
• Key obligations include appointing competent professionals, providing information, and ensuring adequate arrangements for managing the project.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)

• Imposes a duty on employers to assess risks to the health and safety of their employees.
• This includes identifying any hazards, deciding who might be harmed, and how, and evaluating risks and deciding on precautions.
• Employers should review their assessment and update as necessary, especially if significant changes in the workplace occur.

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (1992)

• Requires employers to provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to employees who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work.
• PPE must be properly assessed before use to ensure it is suitable, and must be maintained and stored properly.
• Staff should also receive training on how to use PPE correctly.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Everyone in the construction industry, from employers and supervisors to workers, has a role to play in ensuring health and safety.
• Employers must make sure that work is planned, organised, performed, maintained, and revised as necessary so that it is carried out in a way that ensures, so far as is reasonably practicable, that it is without risk to health.
• Employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
• Everyone should report any situation which may pose a serious and imminent danger and they have the right to stop work in an unsafe situation.