The Health and Safety at Work Act Explained
If you have heard the Health and Safety at Work Act mentioned in your workplace, you might be wondering what is and why it is important.
The Health and Safety at Work Act is a critical piece of legislation which has set the standard for workplace safety throughout the UK. You will probably hear about it if you take a workplace safety course for your job, but here is a brief introduction so that you understand the basics of what this Act is all about:
What is the Health and Safety at Work Act?
The Health and Safety at Work Act is a particular piece of British legislation which establishes the framework for all regulations of health and safety practices in the workplace in the United Kingdom. The act seeks to improve the health and safety of all British workers by ensuring that their workplaces are kept to a specific safety standard.
Who Does it Apply To?
The Health and Safety at Work Actapplies to not only employees and employers, but also to suppliers of goods, contractors and even the people who are in control of workplace premises and those who manage and maintain them. Essentially, it applies to everyone within the workplace and everyone is responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe working environment.
How Is It Enforced?
The Health and Safety at Work Act is enforced by means of inspections of workplaces around the UK, to ensure that they meet the minimum standards of enforcement and practice. It also manifests itself in training programs so that workers can learn about the proper safety procedures for their line of work.
Who Does it Protect?
The Health and Safety at Work Act is designed to protect all employees in the United Kingdom from the dangers of injuring themselves on the job, no matter what their profession might be.
These are some of the primary basics of the Health and Safety at Work Act and why it is important to you as a worker in the UK.
The Health and Safety at Work Act is an important piece of legislature which affects workers all over the UK. These regulations make the workplace safer for everyone involved.
