VTCT - Health and Safety Legislation

Health and Safety Legislation

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Unit: Promote the Image of and Support Hygiene in the Workplace

Health and Safety

Health and Safety in the workplace is the responsibility of employers and employees alike. The laws and regulations that cover the workplace are designed to protect all those that work in a business and all visitors whether they are suppliers, colleagues or customers.

Ensuring that the work environment is a safe and hygienic place to be is not just desirable from a business and personal point of view, it is also required by law. There are many government laws which are designed to protect the staff and the public in places of work.

Health and Safety Legislation

Name of Legislation	Aim
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974	This covers a variety of safe working practices and all the regulations associated with it
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992	This includes sets of regulations covering the workplace environment. This includes issues of cleanliness, sanitary and washing facilities as well as rest, eating and changing facilities.
The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992	This details the employer’s obligations to provide suitable and sufficient protective and equipment for all employees to use.
Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 1989	These regulations lay down the recommended volumes and percentage strengths of different hydrogen based products.
Provision and Use of work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1989	These regulations are designed to ensure the regular maintenance and monitoring of work equipment and the training for anyone who uses it.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989	These state that every electrical appliance in the work environment must be tested every twelve months by a qualified electrician.
Environmental Protection Act 1990	This states that all waste must be disposed of safely.
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)	These regulations cover the recording and reporting of any serious incidents, and accidents to the local environmental health officer.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2003 (COSHH)	This law requires the employers to control the exposure to hazardous substances in the work place.

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