Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974: But what does it mean?

Legislation is heavy going and you can be left feeling a little dumbfounded, but don’t worry help is here. We have broken down the act and what it means for you and your business.

Also know as HASAW or HSW, the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 is the UK’s main piece of health and safety legislation. The act says you need to “ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work”.

You also need to adhere to the following to stay within the legislative guides:

• Make sure there is safe operation and maintenance within the working environment, plant and systems
• The workplace must maintain safe access and egress to the workplace
• There must be safe use, handling and storage of dangerous substances
• All staff need to be adequately trained so you can ensure your workers health and safety
• There needs to be adequate welfare provisions for staff at work
• In a workplace with 5 of more staff members there must be a written record of a health and safety policy and all employees must be aware and understand such policies

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