Health and Safety Regulations
Are you feeling confused with the different types of Health and Safety regulations? It is essential to comply with them in order for employers to protect their employees and their organisation. Below are the main Health and Safety Regulations explained to give a clearer understanding.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992
This is known as the ‘Mangers Regs’ and is made up of various regulations, including the requirement of:
- Risk Assessments to reduce the risk to employees and others that might be affected by the work of the organization
- Suitable information on Risk Assessments, emergency procedures and Health and Safety measures given to staff
- Workers to be provided with suitable Health and Safety Training for their role
- Written Health and Safety Policy when there are five or more employees
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations 1992
This is to ensure workers who use DSE for more than 1-hour day are protected from associated health risks. Below are some of the DSE regulations that employers must comply to:
- Carrying out DSE Risk Assessments
- Provide ancillary equipment if required
- Supply free eyesight tests upon request for those using DSE
- Provide relevant information and training on DSE risks
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
This concerns minimum Health and Safety requirements for workplaces that employers must provide, but does not refer to construction work sites. Regulations includes requirements for:
- Ventilation
- Temperature of indoor workspaces
- Lighting
- Cleanliness
- Workstations and seating
- Falls and falling objects
- And more
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992
The regulations concern PPE requirements for employees, which should be identified as required in a Risk Assessment. It includes requirements of PPE:
- Selection
- Maintenance
- Storage
- Information, induction and training
- User duties
The Manual Handling operations regulations 1992 (amended in 2002)
This requires employers to undertake Risk Assessments of Manual Handling of loads in order to reduce the risk of injury. Where possible, workers should avoid Manual Handling activities with the risk of injury. Additionally, information should be provided to workers on the weight of loads being handled.
Employees have general duty to take care of their own Health and Safety, and others that might be affected.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment (PUWER) Regulation 1998
These government guidelines are set to prevent injury caused by work equipment. The five main requirements of the equipment include:
- Its suitability for use
- That it’s safe for use- with regular maintenance and inspection
- Use by competent people who have received adequate instruction and training
- Suitable Health and Safety Measures are in place
- Use according to specific requirements set out by specialist companies
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1992
These regulations require employees to report workplace incidents, injuries and diseases to the HSE and for an accident book to be kept and updated.
The following incidents need to be reported to the HSE:
- Death
- Serious injuries
- Over 7-day Injuries
- Work-related diseases
- Injuries to members of the public
- Dangerous occurrences
- Dangerous gas fittings
The Working Time Regulations 1998
This includes the regulation of working times and employment of young workers. It states the requirements for work times and rest breaks for adults and children, and also the annual leave requirements for part-time and full-time employees.
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