LRD guides and handbook July 2017

Health and safety law 2017

Introduction

Introduction [pages 9-11] (1,061 words)

This latest edition of the Labour Research Department’s annual guide to health and safety law, Health and Safety Law 2017, is being published at a ...
Subscribers only

Chapter 1

1. The structure of health and safety law

 (170 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

 ...
Subscribers only

Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
 [ch 1: pages 12-16] (1,983 words)

Increase in the small claims limit
 [ch 1: page 17] (301 words)

The European Union (EU) and UK Health and Safety Law

 [ch 1: pages 17-19] (900 words)

Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice and guidance

 [ch 1: page 20] (327 words)

New regulations

 [ch 1: page 20] (28 words)

Directors’ duties

 [ch 1: pages 20-22] (815 words)

Common law and statute law

 [ch 1: pages 22-23] (366 words)

Health and safety reviews under the Coalition government

 [ch 1: pages 23-25] (759 words)

Chapter 2

2. The health and safety inspection and enforcement regime

 [ch 2: page 26] (195 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Enforcement agencies and regulators

 [ch 2: pages 26-29] (810 words)

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority
 [ch 2: page 29] (232 words)

Workplace inspections

 [ch 2: pages 29-30] (314 words)

Proactive inspection cuts

 [ch 2: pages 30-31] (268 words)

National Enforcement Code

 [ch 2: page 31] (173 words)

Targeted enforcement

 [ch 2: page 31] (115 words)

Growth duty for non-economic regulators
 [ch 2: pages 31-32] (243 words)

The Regulators’ Code

 [ch 2: page 32] (101 words)

Paying for enforcement — fee for intervention

 [ch 2: pages 32-34] (654 words)

Penalties — notices and fines

 [ch 2: pages 34-35] (412 words)

Sentencing guidelines

 [ch 2: pages 35-37] (1,008 words)

HSE Enforcement Policy Statement

 [ch 2: page 37] (268 words)

Investigating work-related deaths

 [ch 2: page 38] (299 words)

Corporate manslaughter

 [ch 2: pages 38-39] (319 words)

Examples of convictions for corporate manslaughter

 [ch 2: pages 39-41] (870 words)

Hillsborough
 [ch 2: page 41] (225 words)

Crown immunity

 [ch 2: page 41] (108 words)

Chapter 3

3. The management of health and safety at work

 [ch 3: page 42] (75 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Subscribers only

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

 [ch 3: page 42] (78 words)

Risk assessments

 [ch 3: pages 42-44] (911 words)

Union involvement in risk assessment: hazard mapping

 [ch 3: pages 44-45] (185 words)

The principles of prevention

 [ch 3: page 45] (136 words)

Health and safety arrangements

 [ch 3: page 45] (59 words)

Health surveillance

 [ch 3: pages 45-46] (136 words)

Appointment of safety specialists

 [ch 3: page 46] (70 words)

Procedures for serious and imminent danger
 [ch 3: pages 46-47] (378 words)

Information and training

 [ch 3: pages 47-48] (467 words)

Co-operation and co-ordination

 [ch 3: page 48] (47 words)

Temporary workers

 [ch 3: page 48] (85 words)

New and expectant mothers

 [ch 3: page 49] (279 words)

Workplace hazards for pregnant and breastfeeding women

 [ch 3: pages 49-51] (618 words)

Health, safety and pregnancy and maternity case law
 [ch 3: pages 51-52] (609 words)

Pregnant agency workers

 [ch 3: pages 52-53] (118 words)

Pregnancy and night work

 [ch 3: page 53] (51 words)

MPs’ inquiry into pregnancy and maternity discrimination
 [ch 3: pages 53-54] (394 words)

Young workers

 [ch 3: pages 54-55] (375 words)

HSE Guidance on the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations

 [ch 3: page 55] (184 words)

Chapter 4

4. Safety reps, safety committees and taking action

 [ch 4: page 56] (151 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
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Subscribers only

The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977

 [ch 4: page 56] (59 words)

Union impact on health and safety

 [ch 4: pages 56-57] (358 words)

Trade Union Act 2016 – threat to trade union facility time
 [ch 4: pages 57-58] (555 words)

Appointing safety reps

 [ch 4: pages 58-59] (370 words)

Safety reps’ functions

 [ch 4: pages 59-60] (106 words)

Consultation

 [ch 4: page 60] (259 words)

Facilities for safety reps

 [ch 4: pages 60-61] (151 words)

Safety reps’ legal rights to paid time off

 [ch 4: page 61] (261 words)

Case law on time off for safety reps [ch 4: pages 62-63] (601 words)

Right to information

 [ch 4: pages 63-64] (225 words)

Safety committees

 [ch 4: page 65] (140 words)

Enforcement of the Safety Reps and Safety Committees Regulations

 [ch 4: page 64] (122 words)

Safety reps reporting of problems to HSE

 [ch 4: pages 64-65] (289 words)

Consultation where there is no union recognition

 [ch 4: page 65] (127 words)

Safety reps representing all staff
 [ch 4: pages 65-66] (127 words)

Scope of employer’s obligation to consult

 [ch 4: page 66] (100 words)

The need for stronger regulations

 [ch 4: page 66] (203 words)

Legal protection for those taking action on safety
 [ch 4: pages 67-69] (1,001 words)

Reinstatement

 [ch 4: page 69] (354 words)

Compensation

 [ch 4: page 69] (71 words)

Whistleblowing — the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998

 [ch 4: pages 70-73] (1,530 words)

Interim relief

 [ch 4: pages 73-74] (321 words)

Changes to the tribunal system

 [ch 4: page 74] (55 words)

Tribunal fees

 [ch 4: pages 74-75] (350 words)

Acas early conciliation

 [ch 4: page 75] (246 words)

Blacklisting

 [ch 4: pages 75-78] (1,103 words)

Chapter 5

5. The workplace and the working environment

 [ch 5: page 79] (53 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
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Regulation of minimum workplace standards
 [ch 5: page 79] (159 words)

Stability and solidity

 [ch 5: page 79] (76 words)

Maintenance

 [ch 5: page 79] (57 words)

Ventilation

 [ch 5: page 80] (134 words)

Temperature

 [ch 5: pages 80-81] (371 words)

Lighting

 [ch 5: page 81] (115 words)

Cleanliness

 [ch 5: page 81] (35 words)

Space

 [ch 5: page 81] (147 words)

Workstations and seating

 [ch 5: page 82] (93 words)

Condition of floors

 [ch 5: page 82] (72 words)

Falls or falling objects

 [ch 5: page 82] (60 words)

Transparent surfaces and windows

 [ch 5: page 82] (66 words)

Doors and gates

 [ch 5: page 82] (27 words)

Organisation of traffic routes

 [ch 5: pages 82-83] (64 words)

Escalators and moving walkways

 [ch 5: page 83] (31 words)

Sanitary, washing and drinking facilities

 [ch 5: pages 83-85] (738 words)

Clothing and changing

 [ch 5: page 85] (242 words)

Menopause
 [ch 5: pages 85-86] (296 words)

Rest and eating facilities

 [ch 5: page 86] (167 words)

Disabled workers

 [ch 5: page 86] (60 words)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

 [ch 5: page 87] (277 words)

Smoking

 [ch 5: page 87] (208 words)

Premises and enforcement

 [ch 5: pages 87-88] (60 words)

Exemptions

 [ch 5: page 88] (401 words)

Smoking in vehicles

 [ch 5: page 89] (140 words)

No Smoking signs

 [ch 5: page 89] (40 words)

Smoking shelters

 [ch 5: page 89] (116 words)

E-cigarettes

 [ch 5: pages 89-90] (262 words)

Driving at work

 [ch 5: pages 90-91] (307 words)

Mobile phones and driving

 [ch 5: pages 90-91] (443 words)

Drug-driving limits

 [ch 5: pages 92-93] (549 words)

Driving standards for vision, diabetes and epilepsy

 [ch 5: pages 93-94] (290 words)

Legislation covering particular industries

 [ch 5: page 94] (114 words)

Construction

 [ch 5: pages 94-96] (390 words)

Mines

 [ch 5: page 96] (106 words)

Offshore

 [ch 5: page 96] (152 words)

Chapter 6

6. Hazardous substances

 [ch 6: page 97] (130 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Subscribers only

Control of substances hazardous to health

 [ch 6: pages 97-99] (1,070 words)

Carcinogens and mutagens

 [ch 6: pages 100-101] (527 words)

EU action on carcinogens
 [ch 6: page 101] (247 words)

Silica dust

 [ch 6: page 102] (237 words)

Endocrine Chemical Disruptors

 [ch 6: pages 102-103] (215 words)

Asthma

 [ch 6: page 103] (174 words)

Dust

 [ch 6: pages 103-104] (269 words)

Legionnaires’ disease

 [ch 6: pages 104-105] (331 words)

Needlestick or sharps injuries

 [ch 6: page 105] (164 words)

Dermatitis and other skin conditions

 [ch 6: pages 105-106] (479 words)

Latex allergy

 [ch 6: page 106] (60 words)

Aerotoxic Syndrome

 [ch 6: page 106] (101 words)

Chemicals information and packaging

 [ch 6: page 107] (242 words)

European chemicals strategy (REACH)
 [ch 6: page 108] (261 words)

Safety data sheets

 [ch 6: pages 108-109] (206 words)

Major accident hazards

 [ch 6: pages 109-110] (518 words)

Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres
 [ch 6: pages 110-112] (504 words)

Asbestos

 [ch 6: page 112] (217 words)

Controlling risks from asbestos

 [ch 6: pages 112-113] (321 words)

The duty to manage asbestos

 [ch 6: pages 113-114] (338 words)

Compensation for asbestos-related diseases

 [ch 6: pages 114-115] (389 words)

Pleural plaques

 [ch 6: page 115] (157 words)

Call for an asbestos eradication law

 [ch 6: page 115] (134 words)

Lead

 [ch 6: pages 116-118] (697 words)

Transport of dangerous goods

 [ch 6: page 118] (131 words)

Genetically Modified Organisms

 [ch 6: pages 118-119] (345 words)

Pesticides

 [ch 6: page 119] (83 words)

Glyphosate
 [ch 6: pages 119-120] (296 words)

Changes to hazardous substances regulations?
 [ch 6: page 120] (100 words)

Chapter 7

7. Equipment and Clothing at Work

 [ch 7: page 121] (93 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Subscribers only

Display screen equipment

 [ch 7: pages 121-123] (732 words)

Breaks for DSE users

 [ch 7: page 123] (266 words)

Rest breaks and monotonous work

 [ch 7: page 123] (94 words)

Machinery and other equipment

 [ch 7: pages 124-126] (1,018 words)

Lifting operations and equipment
 [ch 7: page 126] (188 words)

Work at height

 [ch 7: pages 126-127] (284 words)

Changes to work equipment regulations?
 [ch 7: page 127] (60 words)

Personal protective equipment

 [ch 7: pages 127-129] (816 words)

Agency workers and PPE

 [ch 7: page 129] (31 words)

Peripatetic workers and PPE – legal victory
 (215 words)

TUC footwear guidance

 [ch 7: page 130] (51 words)

Changes to head protection rules – turbans

 [ch 7: page 130] (79 words)

The manufacture and marketing of PPE

 [ch 7: page 130] (119 words)

Women’s PPE often not fit for purpose
 [ch 7: page 131-132] (470 words)

Discriminatory dress codes
 [ch 7: pages 132-133] (458 words)

Chapter 8

8. Physical hazards at work

 [ch 8: page 134] (84 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

 ...
Subscribers only

Manual handling

 [ch 8: page 134] (186 words)

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations

 [ch 8: pages 134-135] (370 words)

Consultation with safety reps
 [ch 8: pages 135-136] (68 words)

Manual handling tools

 [ch 8: pages 136-137] (669 words)

Protection under the Equality Act

 [ch 8: pages 137-138] (369 words)

Fire

 [ch 8: page 138] (231 words)

General fire precautions

 [ch 8: pages 138-139] (172 words)

Risk assessment

 [ch 8: page 139] (78 words)

Preventive and protection measures

 [ch 8: pages 139-140] (397 words)

Information and training

 [ch 8: page 140] (137 words)

Enforcement

 [ch 8: page 141] (143 words)

Noise
 [ch 8: page 141] (237 words)

Noise levels

 [ch 8: pages 141-142] (311 words)

Risk assessment

 [ch 8: pages 142-143] (280 words)

Controlling noise

 [ch 8: page 143] (226 words)

Hearing protection

 [ch 8: page 144] (287 words)

Information and training

 [ch 8: pages 144-145] (193 words)

Compensation for hearing loss

 [ch 8: page 145] (107 words)

Voice damage

 [ch 8: pages 145-146] (179 words)

Vibration

 [ch 8: pages 146-147] (330 words)

Radiation

 [ch 8: pages 147-148] (575 words)

Electromagnetic fields

 [ch 8: pages 148-151] (1,050 words)

Optical radiation

 [ch 8: pages 151-152] (398 words)

Sunlight

 [ch 8: pages 152-153] (338 words)

Electricity

 [ch 8: pages 153-154] (416 words)

Portable appliance testing
 [ch 8: page 154] (111 words)

Gas

 [ch 8: pages 154-155] (341 words)

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)

 [ch 8: page 155] (192 words)

Confined spaces

 [ch 8: page 156] (100 words)

Pressure systems

 [ch 8: page 156] (98 words)

Chapter 9

9. Hours of work

 [ch 9: page 157] (238 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

 ...
Subscribers only

The Working Time Directive

 [ch 9: page 157] (121 words)

Working time 

 [ch 9: page 158] (349 words)

Time spent “on-call”

 [ch 9: pages 158-159] (389 words)

Unmeasured time

 [ch 9: page 159] (59 words)

Who is covered by WTR?
 [ch 9: pages 159-160] (155 words)

Mobile workers

 [ch 9: page 160] (308 words)

Drivers’ working hours

 [ch 9: pages 160-162] (534 words)

Exclusions from the WTR

 [ch 9: pages 162-163] (789 words)

Children

 [ch 9: page 164] (187 words)

The maximum working week

 [ch 9: page 164] (101 words)

Collective action on long hours
 [ch 9: page 164] (109 words)

The UK’s 48-hour opt-out

 [ch 9: page 165] (336 words)

A claim of work-related stress

 [ch 9: pages 165-166] (468 words)

Young workers

 [ch 9: page 166] (105 words)

Night and shift work

 [ch 9: pages 167-168] (579 words)

Night worker health assessments

 [ch 9: page 168] (179 words)

Shift work and health problems

 [ch 9: page 168] (82 words)

Daily rest

 [ch 9: page 168] (38 words)

Weekly rest

 [ch 9: page 169] (74 words)

Rest breaks

 [ch 9: page 169] (343 words)

Compensatory rest

 [ch 9: pages 169-170] (370 words)

Holidays

 [ch 9: pages 170-171] (271 words)

Holiday entitlement

 [ch 9: page 171] (129 words)

Payment for holidays

 [ch 9: pages 171-173] (1,113 words)

Bank holidays

 [ch 9: page 173] (50 words)

Timing of holidays

 [ch 9: page 174] (241 words)

Offshore oil workers

 [ch 9: page 174] (175 words)

Carrying unused leave forward 

 [ch 9: pages 174-175] (127 words)

Pay in lieu of annual leave

 [ch 9: page 175] (75 words)

Sick leave and holiday

 [ch 9: pages 175-176] (841 words)

Agency workers’ enhanced rights

 [ch 9: page 177] (104 words)

Part-time workers
 [ch 9: page 177] (126 words)

Collective and workforce agreements

 [ch 9: page 177] (56 words)

Enforcement

 [ch 9: pages 177-178] (209 words)

Protection against detrimental treatment

 [ch 9: page 178] (179 words)

Chapter 10

10. Reporting and recording, protection of information and occupational health 

 [ch 10: page 179] (72 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Subscribers only

Recording and reporting accidents

 [ch 10: page 179] (122 words)

What is reportable under RIDDOR?
 [ch 10: pages 179-181] (606 words)

Statistics on death and injury

 [ch 10: page 181-183] (779 words)

The accident book

 [ch 10: page 183] (172 words)

Accident investigation

 [ch 10: pages 183-184] (198 words)

Protecting health information

 [ch 10: pages 184-185] (391 words)

Ban on pre-employment health checks

 [ch 10: page 185] (139 words)

First aid

 [ch 10: page 186] (28 words)

What the first aid regulations require

 [ch 10: pages 186-187] (649 words)

First aid training

 [ch 10: pages 187-188] (154 words)

Guidance on the first aid regulations
 [ch 10: page 188] (192 words)

Occupational health

 [ch 10: pages 188-189] (209 words)

Fit for Work

 [ch 10: pages 189-190] (708 words)

Fit notes

 [ch 10: pages 190-191] (385 words)

Returning to work after long-term absence

 [ch 10: pages 191-192] (182 words)

Work, health and disability 

 [ch 10: page 192] (280 words)

Chapter 11

11. Stress, bullying, harassment and violence

 [ch 11: page 193] (88 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

 ...
Subscribers only

General duties

 [ch 11: page 193] (124 words)

Stress
 [ch 11: pages 193-194] (321 words)

TUC/HSE guidance on tackling stress
 [ch 11: pages 194-195] (512 words)

Seeking redress for work-related stress

 [ch 11: pages 195-196] (487 words)

Providing a counselling service

 [ch 11: page 196] (72 words)

Exceeding the 48-hour week

 [ch 11: pages 196-197] (59 words)

Mental health at work and discrimination

 [ch 11: page 197] (269 words)

Bullying and harassment

 [ch 11: pages 197-198] (690 words)

Common law protection 

 [ch 11: page 199] (65 words)

Protection under the Equality Act 2010

 [ch 11: page 199] (56 words)

Harassment by third parties

 [ch 11: page 199] (154 words)

Constructive dismissal

 [ch 11: pages 199-200] (262 words)

Protection from Harassment Act 1997

 [ch 11: page 200] (225 words)

Violence

 [ch 11: pages 201-203] (1,000 words)

Emergency workers

 [ch 11: page 203] (133 words)

Employer criminal liability

 [ch 11: pages 203-205] (1,108 words)

Cuts to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
 [ch 11: page 206] (195 words)

Dangerous dogs legislation

 [ch 11: pages 206-207] (301 words)

Further information

Further information

 (414 words)

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