Health and safety regulations in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom there are several pieces of regulation relevant to health and safety at work. Prior to Brexit, many of these gave effect to European Union directives.

Regulations made under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Health and safety legislation in the UK is drawn up and enforced by the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA or HSWA).{{cite book |url=https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse49.pdf |title=A Guide to Safety and Health Regulation in Great Britain |date=July 2013 |publisher=Health and Safety Executive |isbn= |edition= |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315084021/https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse49.pdf |archive-date=15 March 2024 |url-status=live}}{{Cite law|index=1974 chapter 37|date=31 July 1974|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/37/contents|access-date=17 March 2024}} HASAWA introduced (section 2) a general duty on an employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees, with the intention of giving a legal framework supporting codes of practice not in themselves having legal force but establishing a strong presumption as to what was reasonably practicable (deviations from them could be justified by appropriate risk assessment). The previous reliance on detailed prescriptive rule-setting was seen as having failed to respond rapidly enough to technological change, leaving new technologies potentially unregulated or inappropriately regulated.{{cite magazine |date=3 April 1974 |title=House of Commons Debate: Health and Safety at Work Etc. Bill |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1974/apr/03/health-and-safety-at-work-etc-bill#S5CV0871P0_19740403_HOC_290 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125031719/https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1974/apr/03/health-and-safety-at-work-etc-bill#S5CV0871P0_19740403_HOC_290 |archive-date=25 January 2024 |access-date=17 March 2024 |journal=Hansard |at=cc1286-394 |volume=871}}

Breach of the health and safety regulations is a crime throughout the UK. In England and Wales contravention is punishable on summary conviction or on indictment with an unlimited fine.{{cite act |type=Act|index=37|date=1974|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974|url=http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?LegType=All+Legislation&title=health+and+safety+at+work+etc+act&Year=1974&searchEnacted=0&extentMatchOnly=0&confersPower=0&blanketAmendment=0&sortAlpha=0&TYPE=QS&PageNumber=1&NavFrom=0&parentActiveTextDocId=1316700&ActiveTextDocId=1316745&VersionNumber=2&filesize=56647|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327122756/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-70/pdf/STATUTE-70-Pg374.pdf}} Both individuals and corporations can be punished,{{cite act |type=Act|index=30|date=1978|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=Interpretation Act 1978|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1978/30/contents|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808210328/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1978/30/contents}} and sentencing practice is published by the Sentencing Guidelines Council.{{cite act |type=Act|index=24|date=2013|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2013/24/contents/enacted|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804085456/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2013/24/contents/enacted}}

In England and Wales, a person who suffered damage caused by a breach of the regulations used to have a cause of action in tort against the offender. However, section 69 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013{{cite act |type=Act|index=24|date=2013|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2013/24/contents/enacted|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804085456/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2013/24/contents/enacted}} repealed this right of action. This prevents a claimant from claiming damages against an employer for contravention of an absolute duty. Instead, they must now prove that the employer was negligent as with other torts. A similar right of action exists in Scotland through the law of delict.

=The "six pack" regulations=

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992{{cite act|type=Statutory Instruments|index=2792|date=1992|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/2792|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2016-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416153404/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/2792/made}}
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992{{cite act|type=Statutory Instruments|index=2793|date=1992|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/2793/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809111912/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/2793/made}}
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992{{cite act|type=Statutory Instruments|index=2966|date=1992|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/2966|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2020-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218054031/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/2966/made}}
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992{{cite act|type=Statutory Instruments|index=3004|date=1992|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/3004/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119180955/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/3004/made}}
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER){{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=2306|date=1998|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/2306/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810231948/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/2306/made}}
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999{{cite act|type=Statutory Instruments|index=3242|date=1999|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/3242|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-02-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223204415/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/3242}}

=Worker consultation=

Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977{{cite legislation UK |type=si |number=500|year=1977|si=The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 |mode=cs1}}
Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996{{cite legislation UK |type=si |number=1513 |year=1996 |si=Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 |mode=cs1}}
Offshore Installations (Safety Representatives and Safety Committees) Regulations 1989{{cite legislation UK |type=si |number=971 |year=1989 |si=The Offshore Installations (Safety Representatives and Safety Committees) Regulations 1989 |mode=cs1}}

The first two regulations above (as amended) are supported by Approved Codes of Practice and guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).{{cite web|url=https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l146.htm|title=Consulting workers on health and safety|isbn=9780717664610|date=October 2014|publisher=Health and Safety Executive|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-12-06|archive-url=https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20241206071423/https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l146.htm}}

=Other=

Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1987{{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=37|date=1987|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1987|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1987/37/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808005145/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1987/37/contents/made}}
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989{{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=635|date=1989|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/635/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309061625/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/635/contents/made}}
Borehole Sites and Operations Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/2038){{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=2038|date=1995|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Borehole Sites and Operations Regulations 1995|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2038/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121050559/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2038/made}}
The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/1713){{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=635|date=1989|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/635/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808100629/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/1713/contents/made}}
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER){{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=2307|date=1998|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/2307/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401191005/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/2307/contents/made}}
Transport of Dangerous Goods (Safety Advisers) Regulations 1999{{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=257|date=1999|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Transport of Dangerous Goods (Safety Advisers) Regulations 1999|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/257/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2020-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919191356/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/257/contents/made}}
Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999{{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=3232|date=1999|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/3232/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802033438/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/3232/contents/made}}
Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR, SI 2000/128), replacing the earlier Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers Regulations 1989,UK Legislation, [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2000/128/note/made The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000: Explanatory Note], accessed 29 August 2022 came into force on 21 February 2000{{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=128|date=2000|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2000/128/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807080908/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2000/128/contents/made}}
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR){{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=2776|date=2002|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2776/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-05-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517062322/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2776/contents/made}}
Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002 (CHIP), giving effect to EU Directive 67/548/EEC{{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=1689|date=2002|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/1689/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808001019/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/971/contents/made}}
Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002{{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=2676|date=2002|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2676/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309061604/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2676/contents/made}}
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH){{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=2677|date=2002|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2677/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-05-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517062302/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2677/contents/made}}
Work at Height Regulations 2005{{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=735|date=2005|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Work at Height Regulations 2005|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/735/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624145155/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/735/contents/made}}
Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005{{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=1643|date=2005|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1643/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-05-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517062203/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1643/contents/made}}
Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005{{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=1093|date=2005|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1093/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2021-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121155646/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1093/contents/made}}
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012{{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=632|date=2012|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/632/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720110837/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/632/contents/made}}
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR){{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=1471|date=2013|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1471/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-06-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605034148/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1471/contents/made}}
Acetylene Safety (England and Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1639){{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=1639|date=2014|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Acetylene Safety (England and Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2014|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1639/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808164227/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1639/contents/made}}
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015{{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=51|date=2015|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/51/contents/mad|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310210310/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/51/contents/made}}
Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 (COMAH){{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=483|date=2015|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/483/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305211930/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/483/contents/made}}
Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (S.I 2017/1322){{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=1322|date=2017|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/1322/contents/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808133044/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/1322/contents/made}}
Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019{{cite act |type=Statutory Instruments|index=703|date=2019|legislature=Parliament of the United Kingdom|title=The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2019/703/made|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=2020-08-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813104150/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2019/703/made}}
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996

A full list of all UK Health and Safety legislation can be found on the HSE website.{{cite web|url=http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/index.htm|title=HSE Health and Safety legislation|date=n.d.|publisher=Health and Safety UK}}

Statutory inspection

A number of statutes require a "thorough inspection" to take place at prescribed intervals. The HSE describes a thorough inspection as "a systematic and detailed examination of the equipment and safety-critical parts, carried out at specified intervals by a competent person who must then complete a written report".{{cite web|url=https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/thorough-examinations-lifting-equipment.htm|title=Thorough examinations and inspections of lifting equipment|date=2021|publisher=Health and Safety UK|url-status=live|archive-date=2022-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425041957/https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/thorough-examinations-lifting-equipment.htm}} The main statutory inspection regulations are:{{cite web|url=https://www.isisafety.com/inspection-regulations/|title=Industrial Regulations|date=n.d.|publisher=Industrial Safety Inspections|url-status=dead|archive-date=2017-02-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203004803/https://www.isisafety.com/inspection-regulations/}}

class="wikitable" ! Category !! Legislation !! Frequency of thorough inspection !! Notes
Lifting and handling plant including passenger lifts	Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) regulation 9	6 monthly for equipment which lifts persons, otherwise 12 monthly
Power presses, guards and protection devices, other dangerous machinery	Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), especially Regulations 32–35	On installation and relocation, thereafter 12 monthly where there are fixed guards, otherwise 6 monthly.{{cite web\|url=https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l112.pdf\|title=Safe use of power presses\|date=2014\|publisher=Health and Safety UK\|url-status=live\|archive-date=2022-02-19\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219220628/https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l112.pdf}}	In addition, PUWER makes employers responsible for ensuring that any work equipment exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to cause dangerous conditions is inspected at suitable intervals
Pressure systems	Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)	In accordance with a written scheme of examination	The HSE is authorised to provide an exemption in appropriate circumstances. A pressure system which forms an enclosure for high voltage equipment is exempt, effective 1 December 2021.HSE, [https://www.hse.gov.uk/pressure-systems/pssr-exemption.htm Exemption: pressure systems forming an enclosure for high voltage equipment], accessed 28 August 2022
Local exhaust ventilation (LEVs) and extraction plant	Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)	Every 14 months
Protective equipment for working at heights	Work at Heights Regulations 2005 regulation 12	At suitable intervals	Such visual or more rigorous inspection by a competent person as is appropriate for safety purposes, including appropriate testing

REACH

The registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals in the UK reflects the EU REACH regulation (EC 1907/2006).{{cite web | title=Defra's statement of forthcoming legislation 2008 | date=March 2008 | accessdate=2008-04-03 | url=http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/regulat/pdf/forthcomingleg-update-march2008.pdf | publisher=Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726162102/http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/regulat/pdf/forthcomingleg-update-march2008.pdf|archive-date=2008-07-26}}

Having entered into force in 2007, REACH provisions were phased in over a period of 11 years.{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/reach_en.htm|title=Reach|date=n.d.|publisher=European Commission|url-status=live|archive-date=2013-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929022351/https://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/reach_en.htm}}

Notes

References

{{cite book | author=[Various authors] | year=2007 | title=Tolley's Health and Safety at Work Handbook 2007 | location=London | publisher=Butterworths | isbn=978-0-7545-3318-4 }}
{{cite book | title=Health and Safety Law | author=Stranks, J. | location=London | publisher=Prentise Hall | edition=5th | year=2005 | isbn=9780131976467}}

Regulations

Category:Safety codes

Category:Statutory instruments of the United Kingdom