health and safety at work

1. Health and Safety at Work Everyone has the right to work in safe and healthy conditions

2. You may be surprised to hear that 250 people die at work every year in Britain, many in accidents that could have been prevented with a higher regard for Health and Safety at work. You may be surprised to hear that 250 people die at work every year in Britain, many in accidents that could have been prevented with a higher regard for Health and Safety at work.

3. Legal Responsibility Risk Assessment �a study of all the possible risks associated with carrying out work activities� Employers have a legal responsibility to carry out a risk assessment covering all of the tasks and activities taking place in their work environment, whether these are indoor or outdoor activities. Where young people are employed a separate risk assessment must be undertaken Employers have a legal responsibility to carry out a risk assessment covering all of the tasks and activities taking place in their work environment, whether these are indoor or outdoor activities. Where young people are employed a separate risk assessment must be undertaken

4. Why are we safer today? Modern work is typically safer and healthier Trade unions put pressure on the government and employers to create healthier and safer working conditions Health and Safety laws One hundred years ago hundreds of thousands of workers were employed in industries like coal mining and steel manufacture often working with dangerous materials and in dark and cramped conditions. Today many people work in light and airy service occupations such as shop and office work. The government has responded to pressures to create Health and Safety laws, which establish acceptable Health and Safety practice at work. One hundred years ago hundreds of thousands of workers were employed in industries like coal mining and steel manufacture often working with dangerous materials and in dark and cramped conditions. Today many people work in light and airy service occupations such as shop and office work. The government has responded to pressures to create Health and Safety laws, which establish acceptable Health and Safety practice at work.

5. The Health and Safety at Work Regulations for Employers Set up emergency procedures Provide information for employees about Health and Safety, which is easy to understand Provide training for all employees including those starting work for the first time

6. FACT Employees also have important responsibilities for Health and Safety

7. Employee ResponsibilitiesYou must: Use equipment and dangerous substances in accordance with the training and information you receive Report dangerous situations and any weaknesses in Health and Safety practice at your workplace

8. Health and Safety Employers appoint competent people to help them comply with Health and Safety regulations Appoint a Health and Safety committee Have Trade Union safety representatives Another important development that has resulted largely from trade union pressure has been the requirement that all employers appoint competent people to help them comply with Health and Safety regulations. Typically a workplace will have a Health and Safety committee, including trade union safety representatives who must be consulted about Health and Safety issues. These representatives work with and make recommendations to employers about meeting Health and Safety requirements. Another important development that has resulted largely from trade union pressure has been the requirement that all employers appoint competent people to help them comply with Health and Safety regulations. Typically a workplace will have a Health and Safety committee, including trade union safety representatives who must be consulted about Health and Safety issues. These representatives work with and make recommendations to employers about meeting Health and Safety requirements.

9. Glossary of Important Terms Health and Safety at Work Act 1975 Health and Safety at Work Regulations Health and Safety at Work Act � This Act came into force in 1975. It was designed to ensure that all workers in all occupations were covered by Health and Safety legislation. Rather than have lots of different laws covering different groups, it provided a framework within which Health and Safety could be regulated by creating one simple system of law dealing with all aspects of Health and Safety of people at work. Health and Safety at Work Regulations � The British Health and Safety law is rooted in the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999. These regulations cover standards of care.Health and Safety at Work Act � This Act came into force in 1975. It was designed to ensure that all workers in all occupations were covered by Health and Safety legislation. Rather than have lots of different laws covering different groups, it provided a framework within which Health and Safety could be regulated by creating one simple system of law dealing with all aspects of Health and Safety of people at work. Health and Safety at Work Regulations � The British Health and Safety law is rooted in the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999. These regulations cover standards of care.

10. Glossary of Important Terms Risk Assessment Trade Union Safety Representatives The Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999 Risk Assessment � The key requirement of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations is for employers to carry out a risk assessment. This involves carrying out a detailed survey to identify any areas of potential risk in the work place and in working practice. Trade Union Safety Representatives � Safety representatives (reps) are chosen by their union to give employees a direct say in Health and Safety arrangements at work. Under the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 they have a range of rights and functions. The Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999 gives safety representatives the legal right to be consulted by their employer in good time Risk Assessment � The key requirement of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations is for employers to carry out a risk assessment. This involves carrying out a detailed survey to identify any areas of potential risk in the work place and in working practice. Trade Union Safety Representatives � Safety representatives (reps) are chosen by their union to give employees a direct say in Health and Safety arrangements at work. Under the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 they have a range of rights and functions. The Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999 gives safety representatives the legal right to be consulted by their employer in good time