Legislation
Introduction to Legislation
- In construction Health & Safety, numerous laws and regulations have been established to protect workers.
- It is crucial for everyone in the industry to understand relevant legislation to ensure safety on construction sites.
Key Health & Safety Legislation
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: The primary piece of legislation outlining the employer's responsibility to ensure safety in the workplace.
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM): Specifies the roles and responsibilities of parties involved in a construction project.
- Work at Height Regulations 2005: Focuses on reducing deaths and injuries caused by falls from height.
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992: Covers risks associated with manual handling and the need for appropriate training and equipment.
Impact of Legislation
- Non-compliance with Health & Safety legislation can result in penalties, fines, or legal action.
- Legislation helps promote a culture of safety within the industry, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
- Adherence to legislation can positively impact a company's reputation and help secure future contracts.
Legislation and Risk Assessment
- Risk assessments should be conducted in accordance with legislation to ensure all potential hazards are identified.
- Ideally, risks should be eliminated, but if this isn't possible, measures should be implemented to manage them effectively.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, employers are responsible for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their employees.
- Employees also have a duty to take care of their own health and safety, and that of their colleagues.
- The CDM Regulations allocate specific responsibilities to different roles, such as the client, principal contractor, and designer.
The Importance of Keeping Up to Date
- Construction professionals should stay informed about any changes or updates to legislation.
- Regular training and continuing professional development (CPD) can aid in maintaining up-to-date knowledge of legislation.
- Trade bodies and organisations such as the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) provide resources and updates on changes to legislation.