Legislation relating to health and safety
The main reason for Health & Safety legislation is to protect people at work and those who are affected by work activities.
The main laws that cover the protection of Health & Safety at Work
Include:
- Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences
- The management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 2002
- The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002
Health & Safety at Work Etc Act 1974
This law sets out how employers, employees and the self-employed must work in a safe way, giving every person on the work premises legal duties and responsibilities. As this act is very general, subject-specific ‘regulations’ have also been put in place to help every workplace to be safe.
The Management of Health & Safety at Work Reg 1999
These are about how health & safety is managed within a care workplace, including risk assessment, training and ensuring employees receive the information they need.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order)
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – This sets out how each work place must prevent / protect against fire.
Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002
These are designed to protect people from hazardous substances, i.e. if they can cause harm or ill health.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
This covers the transporting of supporting of any load (Including people) and how to carry this safely and prevent injury.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 2002
This sets out how equipment from TV’s, to lifting aids, is to be used safely. Work equipment needs to be checked and maintained regularly and employees trained in it’s safe use.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
This has specific requirements relating to work equipment which is used for lifting and lowering people or loads.
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