What is Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974?
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (often shortened to the Health and Safety at Work Act or simply HASAWA) is the cornerstone of workplace health and safety law in Great Britain. It provides the legal framework that ensures employers, employees, and those responsible for work premises maintain safe and healthy working conditions.
Oversight and enforcement of the Act are carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which has the authority to inspect workplaces, issue improvement notices, and enforce compliance.
To keep the legislation relevant and adaptable, the Act is supported by statutory instruments and regulations, such as the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. These add practical detail and keep your workplace safety aligned with evolving risks and industry practices.
While Northern Ireland has its own equivalent legislation, the principles and protections remain largely the same, ensuring consistent safety standards across the country.
Aims of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
HASAWA was created to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of all workers in the UK.
Its protections extend not only to employees but also to the self-employed, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by workplace activities. This broad scope ensures that safety obligations cover every workplace setting, from offices and shops to construction sites and factories.
Employers are legally required to provide and maintain a safe working environment. This includes ensuring access to proper washing facilities, safe equipment, and relevant safety training. These practical measures reduce risks and help employees carry out their work safely and efficiently.
Employees and workers also have the right to play an active role in health and safety. They are encouraged to report hazards, accidents, or injuries, and to take part in risk assessments and safety consultations. This cooperative approach ensures that risks are identified early and managed effectively.
One of the Act’s most important aims is to promote cooperation between employers and employees.
By working together through safety representatives, committees, and consultation processes, both sides can contribute to a stronger safety culture and ensure compliance with the law. This collaborative framework has helped to significantly reduce workplace accidents and illnesses in the UK.
Employer Responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, employers have legal and general duties to protect the health, safety, and welfare of everyone affected by their work activities. This includes not only your direct employees but also contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be impacted by your workplace operations. Any workplace with over five employees must have a written health and safety policy.
One of an employer's central responsibilities is conducting risk assessments. These assessments help identify potential hazards, evaluate the level of risk, and implement measures to control or eliminate them.
Employers must also provide suitable training and supervision, ensuring staff are fully aware of health and safety procedures and how to work safely.
In addition to training, employers are required to maintain a safe working environment. This includes supplying and enforcing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring machinery and equipment are well maintained, and introducing safe systems of work such as proper manual handling practices.
Consultation is another key obligation under HASAWA. Employers must engage with employees on health and safety issues, whether directly or through appointed safety representatives and safety committees.
Open communication ensures that workplace risks are managed effectively and that employees feel involved in maintaining a safe environment.
Failure to meet these duties can lead to enforcement action by the HSE, including fines, improvement notices, or even prosecution.
Compliance and Penalties
Compliance covers a wide range of responsibilities, from managing occupational health risks to implementing safe working practices across all aspects of business operations.
Penalties for non-compliance include substantial fines, imprisonment for serious breaches, and reputational damage that can impact business operations long-term.
To help businesses remain compliant, the HSE provides detailed guidance, codes of practice, and resources. Following this guidance not only reduces the risk of enforcement action but also demonstrates a commitment to employee wellbeing and corporate responsibility.
Employee Responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 makes it clear that employees also have legal duties to help maintain a safe workplace.
While employers hold the primary responsibility for safety, employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety, as well as that of colleagues, contractors, visitors, and anyone else who may be affected by their actions.
Employees are legally required to cooperate with their employer on all health and safety matters. This means following workplace safety policies, attending and applying health and safety training, and making proper use of any equipment or PPE provided to them.
Ignoring safety procedures or misusing equipment can put others at risk and may lead to disciplinary or legal consequences.
Another key responsibility is prompt near-miss reporting and incident reporting. This ensures risks are addressed quickly before they cause harm.
Employees are also encouraged to participate in risk assessments and safety consultations, giving feedback that helps employers identify issues and improve workplace safety standards.
In addition, employees must play their part in maintaining a safe working environment by following established safety rules, avoiding reckless behaviour, and complying with statutory safety regulations.
By working together with employers, employees help create a safety culture that reduces accidents, prevents illness, and improves well-being across the organisation.
Conclusion
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 remains a primary piece of health and safety legislation in Great Britain, ensuring workplace health and safety and protecting workers’ rights.
The Act has undergone changes and updates to reflect new risks and challenges, including those related to occupational health and workplace health.
Employers must stay up-to-date with the latest health and safety regulations and guidance to ensure compliance and maintain a safe working environment, under safety law.
It's important to have systems and processes in place that help support compliance with HASAWA and other safety legislation.
EHS software can help you to streamline event reporting, policy creation, risk assessments, and much more. Having all your safety information within one easy-to-use platform increases the chances of adoption throughout the organisation.
Discover how Vatix’s flexible EHS platform can simplify compliance and keep your business safe — get in touch today.
.png)
