What does the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 establish for employers and employees?

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 establishes general duties for workplace safety that are applicable to both employers and employees. This legislation outlines the responsibilities of employers to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees while they are at work. It also places duties on employees to take reasonable care of their own health and safety, as well as that of others who may be affected by their actions at work.

The emphasis of the Act is on creating a safe work environment and proactively identifying and managing risks, which is fundamental to promoting occupational health and safety standards. This broad framework establishes the legal basis for health and safety regulations in the UK, enabling a wide range of specific duties and responsibilities to be developed under subsequent legislation and regulations.

While training requirements, financial penalties, and equipment maintenance responsibilities are important aspects of safety management, they are often categorized under the general duties established by this Act. The Act serves as a foundation upon which these more specific requirements can be built and enforced.