LRD guides and handbook July 2016

Health and safety law 2016

Introduction

Introduction
 [pages 9-11] (1,215 words)

This latest edition of the Labour Research Department’s annual guide to health and safety law, Health and Safety Law 2016, sets out the law using ...
Open access

Chapter 1

1. The structure of health and safety law
 [ch 1: pages 12-15] (1,542 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
 ...
Subscribers only

The European Union (EU) and UK Health and Safety Law
 [ch 1: pages 15-17] (823 words)

Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance
 [ch 1: page 17] (317 words)

Review of all Approved Codes of Practice
 [ch 1: page 18] (353 words)

New regulations
 [ch 1: page 19] (94 words)

Directors’ duties
 [ch 1: pages 19-20] (776 words)

Common law and statute law
 [ch 1: pages 20-21] (372 words)

Health and safety reviews since 2010
 [ch 1: pages 21-23] (832 words)

Chapter 2

2: The health and safety inspection and enforcement regime
 [ch 2: page 24] (304 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
 ...
Subscribers only

Enforcement agencies and regulators
 [ch 2: pages 24-27] (896 words)

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority
 [ch 2: pages 27-29] (656 words)

Workplace inspections
 [ch 2: page 29] (242 words)

Proactive inspection cuts
 [ch 2: page 30] (382 words)

National Enforcement Code
 [ch 2: page 31] (168 words)

HSE inspection blitzes
 [ch 2: page 31] (98 words)

Targeted enforcement
 [ch 2: pages 31-32] (274 words)

The Regulators’ Code
 [ch 2: page 32] (102 words)

Paying for enforcement — fee for intervention
 [ch 2: pages 32-34] (686 words)

Penalties — notices and fines
 [ch 2: pages 34-35] (395 words)

New sentencing guidelines
 [ch 2: pages 35-37] (1,243 words)

New HSE Enforcement Policy Statement
 [ch 2: pages 38-39] (449 words)

Investigating work-related deaths
 [ch 2: page 39] (338 words)

Corporate manslaughter
 [ch 2: pages 40-42] (1,324 words)

Crown immunity
 [ch 2: page 43] (115 words)

Chapter 3

3. The management of health and safety at work
 [ch 3: page 43] (33 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
 ...
Subscribers only

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
 [ch 3: page 44] (62 words)

Risk assessments
 [ch 3: pages 44-46] (1,089 words)

The Principles of Prevention
 [ch 3: page 47] (127 words)

Health and safety arrangements
 [ch 3: page 47] (64 words)

Health surveillance
 [ch 3: pages 47-48] (141 words)

Appointment of safety specialists
 [ch 3: page 48] (70 words)

Procedures for serious and imminent danger – stop work and proceed to a “place of safety”
 [ch 3: page 48] (226 words)

Information and training
 [ch 3: pages 48-49] (426 words)

Co-operation and co-ordination
 [ch 3: page 49] (47 words)

Temporary workers
 [ch 3: page 50] (89 words)

New and expectant mothers
 [ch 3: pages 50-51] (595 words)

Workplace hazards for pregnant and breastfeeding women
 [ch 3: pages 51-53] (738 words)

Young workers
 [ch 3: pages 53-54] (376 words)

HSE Guidance on the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
 [ch 3: page 54] (234 words)

Chapter 4

4. Safety reps, safety committees and taking action on health and safety
 [ch 4: page 56] (173 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
 ...
Subscribers only

The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977
 [ch 4: page 56] (58 words)

The Union Effect
 [ch 4: pages 56-58] (688 words)

Appointing safety reps
 [ch 4: pages 58-59] (528 words)

Safety reps’ functions
 [ch 4: page 59] (106 words)

Consultation
 [ch 4: pages 59-60] (259 words)

Facilities for safety reps
 [ch 4: page 60] (151 words)

Safety reps’ legal rights to paid time off
 [ch 4: pages 60-61] (218 words)

Relevant case law
 [ch 4: pages 61-62] (478 words)

Right to information
 [ch 4: page 62] (225 words)

Safety committees
 [ch 4: page 63] (129 words)

Enforcement of the Safety Reps and Safety Committees Regulations
 [ch 4: page 63] (122 words)

Advice to Safety Reps on reporting health and safety problems to the HSE
 [ch 4: pages 63-64] (298 words)

Employee consultation where there is no union recognition
 [ch 4: page 64] (128 words)

Extending the scope for safety reps to raise issues for all staff regardless of union membership
 [ch 4: pages 64-65] (140 words)

Scope of employer’s obligation to consult
 [ch 4: page 65] (100 words)

The need for stronger regulations
 [ch 4: page 65] (142 words)

Legal protection for safety reps and other workers who take action
 [ch 4: pages 65-67] (981 words)

Reinstatement
 [ch 4: page 68] (287 words)

Compensation
 [ch 4: page 68] (72 words)

Whistleblowing — the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998
 [ch 4: pages 68-71] (1,212 words)

The Francis Report
 [ch 4: page 71] (96 words)

Interim relief
 [ch 4: pages 71-72] (286 words)

Changes to the tribunal system
 [ch 4: page 72] (55 words)

Tribunal fees
 [ch 4: pages 72-73] (410 words)

Acas early conciliation
 [ch 4: page 73] (154 words)

Blacklisting
 [ch 4: pages 73-75] (791 words)

Chapter 5

5. The workplace and the working environment
 [ch 5: page 76] (220 words)

Changes and developments since last year
 ...
Subscribers only

Regulation of minimum standards for the workplace
 [ch 5: pages 76-77] (161 words)

Stability and solidity
 [ch 5: page 77] (76 words)

Maintenance
 [ch 5: page 77] (57 words)

Ventilation
 [ch 5: page 77] (134 words)

Temperature
 [ch 5: pages 77-78] (385 words)

Lighting
 [ch 5: page 78] (111 words)

Cleanliness
 [ch 5: page 79] (35 words)

Space
 [ch 5: page 79] (146 words)

Workstations and seating
 [ch 5: page 79] (93 words)

Condition of floors
 [ch 5: page 79] (72 words)

Falls or falling objects
 [ch 5: page 79] (60 words)

Transparent surfaces and windows
 [ch 5: page 80] (66 words)

Doors and gates
 [ch 5: page 80] (27 words)

Organisation of traffic routes
 [ch 5: page 80] (64 words)

Escalators and moving walkways
 [ch 5: page 80] (31 words)

Sanitary, washing and drinking facilities
 [ch 5: pages 80-82] (622 words)

Clothing and changing
 [ch 5: page 82] (242 words)

Menopause
 [ch 5: pages 82-83] (146 words)

Rest and eating facilities
 [ch 5: page 83] (167 words)

Disabled workers
 [ch 5: page 83] (60 words)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
 [ch 5: pages 83-84] (194 words)

Smoking
 [ch 5: pages 84-87] (1,266 words)

Driving at work
 [ch 5: page 87] (302 words)

Mobile phones
 [ch 5: page 88] (386 words)

Drug-driving limits
 [ch 5: pages 88-89] (586 words)

Driving standards for vision, diabetes and epilepsy
 [ch 5: pages 89-91] (296 words)

Legislation covering particular industries
 [ch 5: page 91] (123 words)

Recent developments in sector-specific laws
 [ch 5: pages 91-94] (788 words)

Chapter 6

6. Hazardous substances
 [ch 6: page 95] (156 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
 ...
Subscribers only

Control of substances hazardous to health
 [ch 6: pages 95-98] (1,018 words)

Carcinogens
 [ch 6: pages 98-100] (765 words)

Silica dust
 [ch 6: page 100] (233 words)

Endocrine Chemical Disruptors (EDCs)
 [ch 6: pages 1001-101] (255 words)

COSHH Approved Code of Practice
 [ch 6: page 101] (47 words)

Asthma
 [ch 6: page 101] (160 words)

Dust
 [ch 6: pages 101-102] (287 words)

Legionnaires’ disease
 [ch 6: pages 102-103] (359 words)

Needlestick or sharps injuries
 [ch 6: page 103] (225 words)

Dermatitis and other skin conditions
 [ch 6: pages 103-104] (490 words)

Latex allergy
 [ch 6: page 105] (59 words)

Aerotoxic Syndrome
 [ch 6: page 105] (118 words)

Chemicals information and packaging
 [ch 6: page 105] (264 words)

European chemicals strategy (REACH)
 [ch 6: page 106] (260 words)

Safety Data Sheets
 [ch 6: pages 106-107] (202 words)

Major accident hazards
 [ch 6: pages 107-108] (467 words)

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002
 [ch 6: pages 108-110] (607 words)

Asbestos
 [ch 6: page 110] (242 words)

Controlling risks from asbestos
 [ch 6: pages 110-111] (203 words)

The duty to manage asbestos
 [ch 6: pages 111-112] (322 words)

The Asbestos ACOP
 [ch 6: page 112] (136 words)

Compensation and better treatment for asbestos-related diseases
 [ch 6: pages 112-113] (559 words)

Pleural plaques
 [ch 6: page 113-114] (158 words)

Call for an asbestos eradication law
 [ch 6: page 114] (112 words)

Lead
 [ch 6: pages 114-116] (706 words)

Transport of dangerous goods
 [ch 6: page 116] (138 words)

Genetically Modified Organisms
 [ch 6: pages 116-117] (272 words)

Pesticides
 [ch 6: page 117] (279 words)

Chapter 7

7. Equipment at Work
 [ch 7: page 118] (88 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
 ...
Subscribers only

Display screen equipment
 [ch 7: pages 118-119] (724 words)

Breaks for DSE users
 [ch 7: pages 119-120] (265 words)

Rest breaks and monotonous work
 [ch 7: page 120] (93 words)

Machinery and other equipment
 [ch 7: pages 120-123] (1,019 words)

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
 [ch 7: page 123] (197 words)

Work at height
 [ch 7: pages 123-124] (367 words)

Personal protective equipment
 [ch 7: pages 124-126] (1,064 words)

Agency workers and PPE
 [ch 7: page 126] (67 words)

Ill-fitting PPE
 [ch 7: pages 126-128] (405 words)

Illegal to charge for PPE [ch 7: page 128] (209 words)

TUC footwear guidance
 [ch 7: page 129] (51 words)

Changes to head protection rules – turbans
 [ch 7: page 129] (83 words)

New European PPE Regulation on the manufacture and marketing of PPE
 [ch 7: page 129] (122 words)

Chapter 8

8. Physical hazards at work
 [ch 8: page 130] (120 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
 ...
Subscribers only

Manual handling
 [ch 8: pages 130-131] (306 words)

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations
 [ch 8: page 132] (404 words)

HSE MSD Toolkit
 [ch 8: page 132] (65 words)

The Manual Handling Assessment Chart (MAC tool)
 [ch 8: page 132] (205 words)

The Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART) Tool
 [ch 8: pages 132-133] (247 words)

The RAPP Tool
 [ch 8: page 133] (47 words)

Protection under the Equality Act
 [ch 8: pages 133-134] (358 words)

Fire
 [ch 8: page 134] (208 words)

General fire precautions
 [ch 8: pages 134-135] (172 words)

Risk assessment
 [ch 8: page 135] (143 words)

Preventive and protection measures
 [ch 8: pages 135-136] (337 words)

Information and training
 [ch 8: page 136] (119 words)

Enforcement
 [ch 8: pages 136-137] (163 words)

Noise [ch 8: page 137] (262 words)

Noise levels
 [ch 8: pages 137-138] (264 words)

Risk assessment
 [ch 8: pages 138-139] (280 words)

Controlling noise
 [ch 8: page 139] (220 words)

Hearing protection
 [ch 8: page 140] (273 words)

Information and training
 [ch 8: pages 140-141] (195 words)

Compensation for hearing loss
 [ch 8: pages 141-142] (337 words)

Voice damage
 [ch 8: page 142] (177 words)

Vibration
 [ch 8: pages 142-143] (500 words)

Radiation
 [ch 8: pages 143-145] (499 words)

Electromagnetic fields
 [ch 8: pages 145-147] (1,057 words)

Optical radiation
 [ch 8: pages 147-148] (396 words)

Sunlight
 [ch 8: pages 148-149] (335 words)

Electricity
 [ch 8: pages 149-150] (417 words)

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
 [ch 8: page 150] (164 words)

Gas
 [ch 8: pages 150-151] (341 words)

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)
 [ch 8: pages 151-152] (193 words)

Confined spaces
 [ch 8: page 152] (100 words)

Pressure systems
 [ch 8: page 152] (98 words)

Chapter 9

9. Hours of work
 (295 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
 ...
Subscribers only

General background — the Working Time Directive
 [ch 9: page 153] (60 words)

Core rights
 [ch 9: page 154] (67 words)

Working time under the WTR Regulations
 [ch 9: page 154] (351 words)

Time spent “on-call”
 [ch 9: page 155] (426 words)

Unmeasured time
 [ch 9: pages 155-156] (60 words)

Who the Working Time Regulations apply to
 [ch 9: page 156] (157 words)

Mobile workers
 [ch 9: pages 156-157] (316 words)

Drivers’ working hours
 [ch 9: page 157] (467 words)

Exclusions
 [ch 9: pages 157-160] (1,019 words)

Children
 [ch 9: page 161] (187 words)

The maximum working week
 [ch 9: page 161] (100 words)

The UK’s 48-hour opt-out
 [ch 9: pages 161-162] (241 words)

Work Your Proper Hours Day
 [ch 9: page 162] (134 words)

The 48-hour week and work-related stress
 [ch 9: pages 162-163] (544 words)

Young workers
 [ch 9: page 163] (105 words)

Night work
 [ch 9: pages 163-164] (208 words)

Night work and young workers
 [ch 9: page 164] (36 words)

Health assessments
 [ch 9: page 164] (178 words)

Research linking shift work and health problems
 [ch 9: page 165] (250 words)

Daily rest
 [ch 9: page 164] (38 words)

Weekly rest
 [ch 9: page 165] (74 words)

Rest breaks
 [ch 9: pages 165-166] (409 words)

Shift workers
 [ch 9: page 166] (71 words)

Compensatory rest
 [ch 9: pages 166-167] (372 words)

Holidays
 [ch 9: pages 167-168] (271 words)

Holiday entitlement
 [ch 9: page 168] (120 words)

Payment for holidays
 [ch 9: pages 168-170] (815 words)

Bank holidays
 [ch 9: page 170] (59 words)

Timing of holidays
 [ch 9: page 170] (241 words)

Offshore oil workers
 [ch 9: pages 170-171] (170 words)

Carrying unused leave forward into a subsequent leave year
 [ch 9: page 171] (131 words)

Pay in lieu of annual leave
 [ch 9: page 171] (61 words)

Sick leave and holiday
 [ch 9: pages 171-173] (809 words)

Agency workers’ enhanced rights
 [ch 9: page 173] (104 words)

Collective and workforce agreements
 [ch 9: page 173] (56 words)

Enforcement
 [ch 9: page 173] (206 words)

Protection against detrimental treatment
 [ch 9: page 174] (177 words)

Chapter 10

10. Occupational health, information and reporting
 [ch 10: page 175] (35 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
 ...
Subscribers only

Recording and reporting accidents
 [ch 10: page 175] (122 words)

What is reportable under RIDDOR?
 [ch 10: pages 175-176] (554 words)

Statistics on death and injury
 [ch 10: pages 177-178] (671 words)

The accident book
 [ch 10: page 179] (242 words)

Accident investigation
 [ch 10: pages 179-180] (208 words)

The Employment Practices Data Protection Code
 [ch 10: page 180] (418 words)

Ban on pre-employment health checks
 [ch 10: page 181] (139 words)

First aid
 [ch 10: page 181] (28 words)

What the First Aid Regulations require
 [ch 10: pages 181-183] (645 words)

First aid training
 [ch 10: page 183] (153 words)

Amendments to the First aid regulations and guidance
 [ch 10: page 183] (205 words)

Occupational health
 [ch 10: pages 183-184] (249 words)

Fit for Work
 [ch 10: pages 184-185] (698 words)

NHS occupational health services
 [ch 10: page 186] (43 words)

Fit notes
 [ch 10: pages 186-187] (386 words)

HSE advice on returning to work following long-term sickness absence
 [ch 10: page 187] (168 words)

Chapter 11

11: Stress, bullying, harassment and violence
 [ch 11: page 188] (202 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
 ...
Subscribers only

General duties
 [ch 11: page 188] (123 words)

The extent of stress at work
 [ch 11: pages 188-190] (531 words)

Stress compensation cases
 [ch 11: pages 190-191] (500 words)

Providing a counselling service
 [ch 11: page 191] (71 words)

Exceeding the 48-hour week
 [ch 11: page 191] (60 words)

The HSE Management Standards
 [ch 11: page 191] (77 words)

TUC guidance on the Management Standards
 [ch 11: page 192] (229 words)

Mental health at work and collective responses
 [ch 11: page 192] (120 words)

Mental health at work and discrimination
 [ch 11: pages 192-193] (257 words)

Bullying and harassment
 [ch 11: pages 193-194] (385 words)

Common law rights to protection against bullying
 [ch 11: page 194] (62 words)

Protection from harassment under the Equality Act 2010
 [ch 11: page 194] (58 words)

Harassment by third parties
 [ch 11: page 194] (212 words)

Practical steps to combat bullying
 [ch 11: page 195] (129 words)

Constructive dismissal
 [ch 11: page 195] (259 words)

Protection from Harassment Act 1997
 [ch 11: pages 195-196] (225 words)

Violence
 [ch 11: pages 196-197] (641 words)

Emergency workers
 [ch 11: page 197] (142 words)

Employer criminal liability
 [ch 11: pages 198-200] (1,106 words)

Cuts to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS)
 [ch 11: page 200] (155 words)

Dangerous dogs legislation
 [ch 11: page 201] (368 words)

Further information

Further information
 [pages 202-203] (487 words)

All regulations made since 1988 can be downloaded from the website at: www.legislation.gov.uk ...
Subscribers only