The law says that we need to take steps to protect everyone at our premises.
Health and Safety is the responsibility of everyone.
The main piece of Health and Safety legislation in the UK is HASAWA-Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This legislation states that it is duty of all employers to take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of himself and of other person who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work.
If there is 5 or more employee in the work place, then it is employer’s duty to provide a written health and safety policy and to ensure that everyone reads this policy.
COSSH-Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. These Regulations require employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent ill health. All staff need to receive COSSH training which will allow staff to identify, measure and control the exposure to harmful substances.
RIDDOR- Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 which applies to health and social care sector. This is the law which requires employers and others who have duty to report under RIDDOR.
What needs to be reported:
• work related accidents which caused death
• work related accidents which have caused serious injuries that had to be reported
• some occupational diseases
• certain dangerous occurrences that arise out of or in connection with work
This should be reported by the responsible person which could be the employer or someone in control of premises where work is carried out.
We also need to keep record of any reportable injury, disease or dangerous for three years. As we have more than 10 employees, legally, we are required to have Accident book (under the Social Security (Claims and Payments), Regulation 1979)
Fire Awareness training-
Fire safety law changed in October 2006 when the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 was introduced. The order replaces previous fire safety legislation and it covers what needs to be done to comply with fire safety law, gives information on how to carry out Risk assessment, and help to identify the general fire precautions they need to have in place.
