What are statutory instruments?

Statutory instruments are a type of legislation that allows the provisions of primary legislation (such as acts of parliament) to be implemented in detail. They are used to create specific regulations, rules, or requirements that enforce the broader objectives set out in the primary legislation.

This framework provides the flexibility needed to address specific issues, update existing regulations, or fill in details that are necessary to enforce the law effectively without the need for complete new acts of parliament. For example, a health and safety act may establish the need for workplace safety regulations, while statutory instruments can be used to detail those regulations, such as permissible noise levels, safety equipment standards, and protocols for risk assessments.

Guidelines for workplace behavior or general health tips do not carry the same legal authority as statutory instruments, nor do they provide the detailed regulatory framework necessary for compliance with legal standards. Incentives for workplace safety also do not constitute statutory instruments, as they typically refer to motivational strategies rather than legally binding regulations. Thus, the correct understanding of statutory instruments lies in recognizing their role in the legal framework as detailed regulations derived from broader legislative mandates.