2024 is the 50th year of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSAWA). It is the principle piece of legislation for occupational health and safety in Great Britain and operates alongside other health and safety Acts of law. It was introduced following Lord Robens commissioned report into safety and health at work which found significant flaws in the health and safety system and proposed fundamental changes to how health and safety was managed, regulated and enforced. Lord Robens report resulted in the introduction of the HSAWA, and the establishment of both the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The HSAWA is a legal framework of rules to create a safe working environment that protects the health, safety and welfare of workers and the general public. The Act has established a set of general principles that employers and workers should follow to ensure health and safety in the workplace. For instance, it requires employers to assess and manage the risks to the health and safety of their employees and others affected by the work. It provides mechanisms for the development of health and safety regulations, approved codes of practice and guidance; and it also provides mechanisms for the enforcement of health and safety standards.
The Act places responsibilities on both employers and workers, as follows:
Employers must:
- have a health and safety policy (in writing if there are more than five employees);
- take responsibility for ensuring the policy is followed;
- provide a workplace that is safe together with safe systems of work;
- provide adequate welfare facilities for employees;
- appoint a competent person to manage health and safety;
- carry out risk assessments and inspections; and
- inform employees about workplace hazards and provide them with adequate instruction, training and supervision.
Employees must:
- take reasonable care of their own and others’ health and safety in the workplace;
- work with their employer to create a safe workplace;
- comply with the health and safety training provided by the employer; and
- report health and safety concerns or incidents to the designated person.
So, how has the HASAW created safe working environments that protect the health, safety and welfare of both employees and the general public? In Lord Rubens report, it provided data on the number of fatal accidents of employees, in Great Britain between 1961 and 1970. The total number of fatalities over the ten year period was 12,197. Since the introduction of the HSAWA and over the last 10 year period, the total number of fatalities has reduced to 1,363.
We’re here to help
Now is the perfect time to review your workplace safety. HR Solutions offers a Health & Safety Risk Audit to help you assess risks, update policies, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Get in touch with us today by calling us on 0844 324 5840 or completing one of our contact forms.
