Legislation
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.