The main statutory framework for the regulation of health and safety at work is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. There have been many amendments and additions to these regulations since the legislation was first passed, but the principal aim of health and safety law is to help protect the health, safety and welfare of people at work and anyone else who comes into contact with workers or visits the premises.
Failure to comply with health and safety legislation can result in significant fines and even imprisonment for those considered responsible in the case of serious breaches.
What are the work health and safety regulations?
As an employer, it is important that every business is familiar and compliant with work-related health and safety laws. It’s the legal responsibility of every business to have a health and safety policy in place and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to reduce hazards and risks for all. The regulations generally break down into these main areas:
- Management of health and safety within the business
- Providing a compliant working environment
- Providing the necessary protective equipment (PPE), when required, to facilitate safer working
- Providing the necessary training for staff for all work-related processes, procedures and equipment
- Reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities when required
Why businesses might need health and safety legal support
There are a number of different reasons why a business might want some specialist support with regard to their compliance with health and safety law. It might be that the business requires some expert input into their health and safety policy, to ensure that they are compliant in every area. Alternatively, it could be that the business is subject to a potential investigation or enforcement action for breaching health and safety law and they want legal support to help ensure the best possible outcome.
Whatever level of legal advice or support is required, our experienced team can help your business in the area of health and safety law. Call our health and safety team on 0161 696 6250 to find out more.
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