Health, Safety, and Environmental Legislation Summary

roles of legalisation

Roles with specific legal duties including employers, employees, organisations and clients

Organisation

An entity of multiple people sharing a collective goal and linked to an external environment

Client

A customer utilizing the services of the compny

Statutory Legislation

Enactments resulting from an Act of Parliament that are legally binding; contravention constitutes a criminal act. Regulations support and amplify these Acts.

Non-Statutory Regulations

Guidance that is not directly enforceable by law; however, breach of non-statutory regulations often indicates a failure under underlying statutory laws.

Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP)

Approved or issued by the Health and Safety Commission. Failure to comply is not an offense in itself, but serves as evidence of guilt in criminal proceedings unless lawful compliance via alternative methods is proven.

Non-Statutory Standards

Represent good practice (such as BS 7671:2018 wiring regulations) and are admissible in a court of law.

Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

Statutory coverage extends to all workplaces and voluntary work. Every individual bears responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.

The Electricity at Work Regulations

Statutory document comprising 33 regulations, with regulations 1–16 and 29 being the most relevant to electricians. Applies universally to workplace electricity use, not solely to electricians.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR)

Reinforces the 1974 Act. Applies duties across employers, employees, designers, and contractors; supplements Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM) with requirements for young workers and expectant mothers

Workplace (Health and Safety and Welfare) Regulations

Expands general duties under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Mandates suitable welfare provisions and ensures accessibility of premises and workstations for people with disabilities.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations

Governs workplace substances posing health risks, including chemicals, cements, oils, and sprays.