Learning Outcome 2

1. Learning Outcome 2 Working practices

2. Learning intentions By the end of the lesson you should be able to: • distinguish between employer’s and employees’ responsibilities and duties • identify ways of communicating health and safety information • state various piece of legislation • demonstrate knowledge of consequences to employer and employee of not adhering to legislation.

3. Workplace legislation Employers and employees have a duty of responsibility.

4. Employer’s responsibilities In general, the employer's duties include: ■ making the workplace safe and without risks to health ■ ensuring plant and machinery are safe and that safe systems of work are set and followed ■ ensuring articles and substances are moved, stored and used safely ■ providing adequate welfare facilities ■ giving the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary for employee health and safety.

5. Employer’s responsibilities In particular, an employer must: ■ assess the risks to health and safety ■ implement the health and safety measures identified by assessment ■ if there are five or more employees, draw up a health and safety policy statement, including the health and safety arrangements in force, and bring it to the attention of employees ■ appoint someone to assist with health and safety responsibilities.

6. Employee’s responsibilities Employees have legal duties too. They include: ■ taking reasonable care of own health and safety and that of others ■ cooperating with the employer on health and safety ■ correctly using work items provided by the employer, including personal protective equipment, in accordance with training or instructions ■ not interfering with or misusing anything provided for health, safety or welfare. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/law.pdf

7. Legislation Legislation is enforced by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Health & Safety at Work Act (1987) – Updated by Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 This is primary legislation, covering minimum standards that have to be followed, including: • qualified first-aid person • suitable first-aid equipment.

8. Legislation • The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 • Covers the use of VDUs in the workplace.

9. Legislation RIDDOR (1995) (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations ) COSSH (2002) (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations)

10. Communicating health and safety information Induction training Intranet Notice boards Staff development training Staff meeting

11. Consequences of not complying: Employer Reported to the HSE, who can: • enter and inspect premises • issue improvement notices • interview people and give warnings • close down premises • fine or prosecute.

12. Consequences of not complying: Employee Disciplinary procedures: • verbal warning • written warning • suspension • fine • dismissal • criminal or civil prosecution.

13. Your tasks • Visit the HSE website. Follow links to find out what procedures need to be followed to report an incident at work. • Design an A4 poster showing these procedures. • Research three health and safety breaches and present on a PowerPoint on them.