Health and Safety Legislation

Introduction to legislation

• At the core of the engineering environment are various legislations which facilitate safe and responsible engineering practises. Understanding these is critical for everyone involved in the sector.
• The main legislation in the UK related to health and safety is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Others include the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
• Note that legislation is constantly evolving, and updates must be monitored to maintain compliance.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA 1974)

• The Act stipulates the duties of employers to their employees and to members of the public, and of employees among themselves.
• It’s the employer's responsibility to provide safe systems of work.
• Employers must provide safety training, suitable work equipment and methods.
• Employees have a duty to take care of their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
• The HSWA 1974 is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

• First off, this legislation requires all employers or self-employed individuals to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to an employee’s health and safety.
• Regular risk assessment should be done to identify potential hazards and reduce risks.
• Establish necessary emergency procedures based on the risk assessment.
• The principles of prevention should be applied when implementing protective measures.

Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992

• The aim of this regulation is to cover a wide range of basic health, safety and welfare issues.
• It targets matters such as ventilation, temperature, lighting, cleanliness, room dimensions and spaces among others.
• Requirements under this law include maintaining the workplace in a clean, tidy, and safe condition.
• Proper sanitary conveniences, washing facilities, drinking water and seats should be available when workers need to take a break.

The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992

• PPE should be supplied and used at work wherever there are risks to health and safety.
• Employers are responsible for the provision of adequate personal protective equipment.
• PPE includes helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses.

Note: It’s important to apply these legislations understanding that they are not stand-alone but work in liaison for upholding health and safety conditions for all stakeholders engaged in the engineering environment.