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What Are The Basic Rules Of Safety In The Workplace?

Organisations that deliver work programmes must adhere to legislation, including health and
safety laws, to protect the mental and physical well-being of the members of the staff and
individuals engaged to perform services and tasks but aren’t formally employed. Health and
safety at work is, hence, aimed at creating conditions, capabilities, and habits that enable
individuals to carry out their work efficiently and in a way that avoids harm. The duty falls on
the employer to establish which laws apply to protect the welfare of workers.

These regulations establish minimum requirements, and complying with legislation helps avoid

legal consequences.

A Comprehensive List Of The Key Laws That Govern Health And Safety

Health And Safety At Work Act 1974

It sets out the broad principles and rules for workplace safety in the UK and is sometimes called
the HSWA, the 1974 Act, or HASAWA. Implementing this primary piece of legislation doesn’t
have to be an arduous, time-consuming, or costly affair, especially if an employer has a history
of no accidents. The premises should meet safety standards, and considerations include but
aren’t limited to cleanliness, fire safety, waste management, and handling harmful substances.
Any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool, or work installation must be maintained. Building
and fostering a safe work environment requires competent staff that is properly trained and
undertaking risk assessments, which is a systemic process.

Management Of Health And Safety At Work Regulations 1999

The Health and Safety Commission conducted a review in 1999 to identify how the existing
regulation could or should be improved. The Approved Code of Practice concentrates on risk
assessments and how to use them effectively to locate potential hazards and determine what
preventative measures can be applied to impede the development and strengthening of risk. All
organisations must elect, select, and appoint a safety representative, guarantee workers aren’t
given tasks beyond their competence or physical capabilities, and have a clear, documented
policy. Managers and supervisors also bear heavy responsibility under the Management Of
Health And Safety At Work Regulations 1999.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

It’s the legal framework for fire safety in buildings in England and Wales, and it applies to all
workplaces and the basic components of buildings featuring two or more private residences.
The Fire Safety Order was amended in 2022 for effective fire safety management. Anyone in
control of the premises must ensure adequate means of escape, install fire alarms and
detection systems, and provide safety training to keep individuals confident in dealing with
emergencies. It’s necessary to appoint one or more qualified professionals, depending on the
size and use of the premises, to carry out fire safety duties.

Needless to say, there are many other specific regulations that apply to specific hazards or work
activities, and organisations are urged to ensure compliance with these where applicable.

The Far-Reaching Consequences Of Poor Health And Safety Procedures

It’s critical for both employers and employees to know and understand their rights and
obligations regarding occupational health and safety. There are multiple high-profile health and
safety failures, notably in industries subject to extra government insight. The largest fine of

2019 was handed over to Valero Energy UK Ltd and B&A Contracts Ltd for an explosion at an oil
refinery located on the Pembrokeshire coast that killed four workers. The incident that had
devastating consequences for all people involved could have been prevented. HSE investigators
uncovered that the oil refinery’s safety management systems presented numerous long
standing failures.

Breaches of Health and Safety at Work are offences, and the maximum sentence for failing to
discharge a duty carries a maximum penalty of the magistrates’ court of a £20,000 fine.
Nevertheless, the maximum penalty in the Crown Court is an unlimited fine. It’s possible to
make a personal injury claim under the Injuries Resolution Board, which may grant the victim
permission to bring a claim under the civil courts. As it takes time to go through legal
procedures, the case can’t be settled by the end of the month, so the employee should contact
a solicitor as soon as possible. In some cases, car accidents count as work-related, and the
employer is on the legal hook.

It goes without saying that an accident in the workplace can damage a hard-won reputation in
an instant, which translates into a loss of future sales or a change in the relationship with
stakeholders, such as lenders and suppliers. An organisation’s staff can be its biggest and most
influential brand ambassadors, so it’s essential that companies have processes in place to
prevent accidents in the workplace. Corporations are now expected not only to deliver on
financial performance but also to make a positive contribution to society, and a series of
accidents can affect the morale and well-being of the workforce, which in turn leads to
employees not being content in their jobs and increased stress.

Everyone Must Take Safety Seriously, Or Everyone Is At Risk

Too many individuals are injured every day in the workplace, and the greatest losses are
human, which can impact team morale, experience, and performance. It’s important to
understand that safety is everyone’s responsibility, so members of the staff should be provided
the much-needed training and equipment to do their jobs safely and take an active role in
keeping the workplace safe. Irrespective of the size of the business or what industry the
company is in, maintaining a safe workplace is good for the bottom line. Employers should
develop a program suitable for the nature, size, and complexity of the workplace.

A policy that sits in a filing cabinet doesn’t accomplish anything. In other ways, it’s easy to get
lost in the hustle and bustle of the day, and change starts with communication. Everyone must
be aware of their responsibilities in helping guarantee precautions are taken, and that
prevention is a proactive mindset. Allow people to discuss the overall safety in the workplace,
as it can minimise hazards by ensuring employees know what to do to stay safe. The bottom
line is that each employee has the right to participate in their own safety, so ascertain they
voice any issue or concern.

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