Health and safety at work act 1974 (HASAWA) and Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999

which regulatory body for health and safety did the act create?

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

What is the role of the HSE?

regulatory body to prevent injury, illness and death in the workplace

• provide training

• inspections

• licensing

• enforcement to prevent harm

• enforces legislation

• provide guidance for workplaces

risk assessment

process of evaluating the likelihood of a hazard causing harm

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, provided by the employer; clothing and protective equipment used to ensure personal safety in the workplace

PAT testing

Portable Appliance Testing, checking appliances safety through internal and external testing

the working environment must not put anyone at risk

• carry out risk assessment

• provide PPE

• monitor staff practice

• ensure fire doors, alarms and extinguishers are working and accessible

the equipment provided must be safe and in good working order

• provide equipment that is fit for purpose and in good working order

• to regularly safety-check equipment

• to regularly service/maintain equipment

• to ensure electrical appliances are PAT tested

employers must provide adequate health and safety training for staff

• to provide H&S training for staff - updated regularly

• to train staff to use specialist equipment

• to have regular fire/evacuation practices

• to provide adequate first aid

a written health and safety policy should be provided

• to produce a H&S policy in line with legal requirements

• to ensure staff are aware of and have access to the policy

• to display the ‘health and safety law’ poster

protective equipment, if needed, must be available to employees free of charge

• to maintain an adequate supply of PPE

• to make no charge to staff for PPE

• to ensure staff wear provided PPE

HASAWA states that employees have the following responsibilities

employees must ensure they:

• co-operate with their employer by following H&S regulations in the workplace

• report any hazards to the employer

• do not misuse or tamper with equipment provided that meets health and safety regulations e.g. fire extinguishers

• take care of themselves and others in the workplace

• wear any PPE that is provided

• take part in any H&S training provided

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999

• introduced to reinforce the HASAWA

adds specific detail to the HASAWA about the safe management of health and safety

• risk assessments are carried out and any control measures required are implemented

• competent individuals are appointed to manage health and safety and security, and to deal with any emergencies that may occur

• information, training and supervision are provided so that work activities can be carried out safely

control measures

• actions that can be taken to reduce the risks posed by a hazard or to remove the hazard altogether

3 responsibilities of management in the MHSWR

• risk assessments

• competent individuals appointed in major roles

• information provided