LRD guides and handbook July 2018

Health and safety law 2018

Introduction

Introduction
 [pages 8-10] (1,110 words)

This latest edition of the Labour Research Department’s annual guide to health and safety law, Health and Safety Law 2018, is being published less ...
Subscribers only

Chapter 1

1. The structure of health and safety law

 [ch 1: page 11] (78 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

 ...
Subscribers only

Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
 [ch 1: pages 11-14] (1,422 words)

Increase in the small claims limit
 [ch 1: pages 14-15] (267 words)

Landmark case on symptomless physiological injury
 [ch 1: page 15] (303 words)

The European Union, UK health and safety law and Brexit
 [ch 1: pages 16-17] (684 words)

Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice and guidance

 [ch 1: pages 17-18] (326 words)

New regulations

 [ch 1: page 18] (28 words)

Directors’ duties
 [ch 1: pages 18-20] (759 words)

Common law and statute law

 [ch 1: page 20] (364 words)

Health and safety reviews under the Coalition government 2010-2015

 [ch 1: pages 21-23] (753 words)

Chapter 2

2. The health and safety inspection and enforcement regime

 [ch 2: page 24] (179 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Subscribers only

Enforcement agencies and regulators

 [ch 2: pages 24-25] (317 words)

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority
 [ch 2: pages 25-26] (277 words)

Joint Competent Authority to enforce building regulations and fire safety recommended
 [ch 2: pages 26-28] (1,100 words)

Workplace inspections

 [ch 2: pages 29-30] (319 words)

National Enforcement Code

 [ch 2: page 30] (173 words)

Targeted enforcement

 [ch 2: page 30] (110 words)

Growth duty for non-economic regulators
 [ch 2: pages 30-31] (280 words)

The Regulators’ Code

 [ch 2: page 31] (102 words)

Paying for enforcement — fee for intervention

 [ch 2: pages 31-3] (562 words)

Penalties — notices and fines
 [ch 2: pages 32-33] (315 words)

Sentencing guidelines

 [ch 2: pages 33-35] (975 words)

HSE Enforcement Policy Statement

 [ch 2: pages 35-36] (261 words)

Investigating work-related deaths

 [ch 2: pages 36-37] (299 words)

Corporate manslaughter

 [ch 2: page 37] (307 words)

Examples of convictions for corporate manslaughter

 [ch 2: pages 37-39] (822 words)

Hillsborough
 [ch 2: page 39] (188 words)

Grenfell Tower fire
 [ch 2: page 40] (55 words)

Crown immunity

 [ch 2: page 41] (108 words)

Chapter 3

3. The management of health and safety at work

 [ch 3: page 41] (80 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

 ...
Subscribers only

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

 [ch 3: page 41] (78 words)

Risk assessments

 [ch 3: pages 41-43] (891 words)

Union involvement in risk assessment: hazard mapping

 [ch 3: page 43] (219 words)

The principles of prevention

 [ch 3: page 44] (136 words)

Health and safety arrangements

 [ch 3: page 44] (59 words)

Health surveillance

 [ch 3: pages 44-45] (125 words)

Appointment of safety specialists

 [ch 3: page 45] (69 words)

Procedures for serious and imminent danger
 [ch 3: page 45] (213 words)

Information and training

 [ch 3: pages 45-46] (423 words)

Co-operation and co-ordination

 [ch 3: page 47] (47 words)

Temporary workers

 [ch 3: page 47] (85 words)

New and expectant mothers

 [ch 3: page 47] (236 words)

Workplace hazards for pregnant and breastfeeding women

 [ch 3: pages 48-49] (643 words)

Health, safety and pregnancy and maternity case law
 [ch 3: pages 49-51] (824 words)

Pregnant agency workers

 [ch 3: page 51] (118 words)

Pregnancy and night work

 [ch 3: pages 51-52] (164 words)

MPs’ inquiry into pregnancy and maternity discrimination
 [ch 3: pages 52-53] (371 words)

Young workers

 [ch 3: pages 53-54] (373 words)

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

 [ch 3: page 54] (164 words)

Chapter 4

4. Safety reps, safety committees and taking action

 [ch 4: page 55] (152 words)

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

The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977

 [ch 4: pages 55-56] (438 words)

Going beyond the legal minimum
 [ch 4: pages 56-57] (457 words)

Trade Union Act 2016 — threat to trade union facility time
 [ch 4: pages 57-58] (603 words)

Appointing safety reps

 [ch 4: pages 58-59] (393 words)

Safety reps’ functions

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

Consultation

 [ch 4: page 60] (266 words)

Facilities for safety reps

 [ch 4: pages 60-61] (147 words)

Safety reps’ legal rights to paid time off

 [ch 4: page 61] (276 words)

Case law on time off for safety reps 

 [ch 4: pages 61-63] (758 words)

Right to information

 [ch 4: page 63] (225 words)

Safety committees

 [ch 4: page 64] (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] (288 words)

Consultation where there is no union recognition

 [ch 4: page 65] (127 words)

Safety reps representing all staff
 [ch 4: page 65] (127 words)

Scope of employer’s obligation to consult

 [ch 4: page 66] (100 words)

The need for stronger regulations

 [ch 4: page 66] (222 words)

Legal protection for those taking action on safety
 [ch 4: pages 66-68] (858 words)

Reinstatement

 [ch 4: pages 68-69] (353 words)

Compensation

 [ch 4: page 69] (73 words)

Whistleblowing — the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998

 [ch 4: pages 69-72] (1,583 words)

The Francis report

 [ch 4: page 72-73] (109 words)

Interim relief

 [ch 4: page 73] (298 words)

Changes to the tribunal system

 [ch 4: page 73] (55 words)

Employment tribunal fees abolished
 [ch 4: page 74] (209 words)

Acas early conciliation

 [ch 4: page 74] (252 words)

Blacklisting

 [ch 4: pages 75-76] (639 words)

Court victory for blacklisted workers but fight goes on
 [ch 4: pages 76-77] (370 words)

Chapter 5

5. The workplace and the working environment

 [ch 5: page 78] (164 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
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Subscribers only

Regulation of minimum workplace standards
 [ch 5: page 78] (159 words)

Stability and solidity

 [ch 5: pages 78-79] (76 words)

Maintenance

 [ch 5: page 79] (57 words)

Ventilation

 [ch 5: page 79] (135 words)

Temperature

 [ch 5: pages 79-80] (379 words)

Lighting

 [ch 5: page 80] (104 words)

Cleanliness

 [ch 5: page 80] (35 words)

Space

 [ch 5: page 81] (147 words)

Workstations and seating

 [ch 5: page 81] (80 words)

Condition of floors

 [ch 5: page 81] (72 words)

Falls or falling objects

 [ch 5: page 81] (60 words)

Transparent surfaces and windows

 [ch 5: pages 81-82] (66 words)

Doors and gates

 [ch 5: page 82] (27 words)

Organisation of traffic routes

 [ch 5: page 82] (53 words)

Escalators and moving walkways

 [ch 5: page 82] (31 words)

Sanitary, washing and drinking facilities

 [ch 5: pages 82-83] (405 words)

Clothing and changing
 [ch 5: pages 83-84] (241 words)

Menopause
 [ch 5: page 84] (317 words)

Rest and eating facilities

 [ch 5: page 85] (167 words)

Disabled workers

 [ch 5: page 85] (60 words)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

 [ch 5: pages 85-86] (268 words)

Smoking

 [ch 5: page 86] (140 words)

Premises and enforcement

 [ch 5: page 86] (60 words)

Exemptions

 [ch 5: pages 86-87] (279 words)

Smoking and prisons

 [ch 5: page 87] (170 words)

Smoking in vehicles

 [ch 5: page 87] (140 words)

No Smoking signs

 [ch 5: page 88] (91 words)

Smoking shelters

 [ch 5: page 88] (87 words)

E-cigarettes

 [ch 5: pages 88-89] (332 words)

Driving at work

 [ch 5: page 89] (301 words)

Mobile phones and driving

 [ch 5: pages 89-90] (398 words)

Drug-driving limits

 [ch 5: pages 90-91] (804 words)

Driving standards for vision, diabetes and epilepsy

 [ch 5: pages 92-93] (286 words)

Legislation covering particular industries

 [ch 5: page 93] (114 words)

Construction

 [ch 5: pages 93-95] (382 words)

Mines

 [ch 5: page 95] (106 words)

Offshore

 [ch 5: page 95] (397 words)

Chapter 6

6. Hazardous substances

 [ch 6: page 97] (136 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

 ...
Subscribers only

Control of substances hazardous to health

 [ch 6: pages 97-100] (1,164 words)

Carcinogens and mutagens

 [ch 6: page 100] (203 words)

EU action on carcinogens
 [ch 6: pages 100-101] (240 words)

Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions (DEEEs)
 [ch 6: pages 101-102] (728 words)

Asthma

 [ch 6: page 103] (172 words)

Dust

 [ch 6: pages 103-104] (263 words)

Legionnaires’ disease

 [ch 6: page 104] (296 words)

Needlestick or sharps injuries

 [ch 6: pages 104-105] (167 words)

Dermatitis and other skin conditions

 [ch 6: pages 105-106] (481 words)

Latex allergy

 [ch 6: page 106] (146 words)

Toxic cabin air
 [ch 6: pages 106-107] (223 words)

Chemicals information and packaging

 [ch 6: page 107] (246 words)

European chemicals strategy (REACH)
 [ch 6: pages 107-108] (415 words)

Safety data sheets

 [ch 6: pages 108-109] (217 words)

Major accident hazards

 [ch 6: pages 109-110] (503 words)

Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres
 [ch 6: page 110-112] (538 words)

Asbestos

 [ch 6: page 112] (218 words)

Controlling risks from asbestos

 [ch 6: pages 112-113] (205 words)

The duty to manage asbestos

 [ch 6: pages 113-114] (344 words)

Compensation for asbestos-related diseases

 [ch 6: page 114] (391 words)

Pleural plaques

 [ch 6: page 115] (154 words)

Call for an asbestos eradication law

 [ch 6: page 115] (143 words)

Lead

 [ch 6: pages 115-117] (686 words)

Transport of dangerous goods

 [ch 6: page 117] (129 words)

Genetically modified organisms

 [ch 6: pages 117-118] (353 words)

Pesticides

 [ch 6: page 118] (84 words)

Glyphosate
 [ch 6: pages 118-119] (207 words)

Changes to hazardous substances regulations?
 [ch 6: pages 119-120] (295 words)

Chapter 7

7. Equipment and clothing at work

 [ch 7: page 121] (98 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

 ...
Subscribers only

Display screen equipment

 [ch 7: pages 121-123] (772 words)

Breaks for DSE users

 [ch 7: page 123] (260 words)

Rest breaks and monotonous work

 [ch 7: page 123-124] (96 words)

Machinery and other equipment

 [ch 7: pages 124-125] (801 words)

Work Equipment ACOPs

 [ch 7: pages 125-126] (248 words)

Lifting operations and equipment
 [ch 7: page 126] (182 words)

Work at height

 [ch 7: page 127] (386 words)

Personal protective equipment

 [ch 7: pages 128-129] (811 words)

Agency workers and PPE

 [ch 7: page 129] (31 words)

Peripatetic workers and PPE — GMB legal victory
 [ch 7: page 130] (156 words)

TUC footwear guidance

 [ch 7: page 130] (56 words)

Changes to head protection rules — turbans

 [ch 7: page 130] (79 words)

CE marking
 [ch 7: page 130] (78 words)

Women’s PPE often not fit for purpose
 [ch 7: page 131] (376 words)

Discriminatory dress codes
 [ch 7: pages 132-133] (557 words)

Chapter 8

8. Physical hazards at work

 [ch 8: page 134] (172 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

 ...
Subscribers only

Manual handling

 [ch 8: page 134] (175 words)

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations

 [ch 8: pages 135-136] (666 words)

Consultation with safety reps
 [ch 8: pages 136-137] (164 words)

Manual handling tools

 [ch 8: pages 137-138] (752 words)

Protection under the Equality Act 2010

 [ch 8: pages 138-139] (365 words)

Fire
 [ch 8: pages 139-140] (549 words)

General fire precautions

 [ch 8: pages 140-141] (172 words)

Risk assessment

 [ch 8: page 141] (78 words)

Preventive and protection measures

 [ch 8: pages 141-142] (394 words)

Information and training

 [ch 8: page 142] (137 words)

Enforcement

 [ch 8: pages 142-143] (208 words)

Noise
 [ch 8: page 143] (145 words)

Noise levels

 [ch 8: pages 143-144] (351 words)

Risk assessment

 [ch 8: pages 144-145] (280 words)

Controlling noise

 [ch 8: page 145] (226 words)

Hearing protection

 [ch 8: pages 145-146] (274 words)

Information and training

 [ch 8: pages 146-147] (193 words)

Compensation for hearing loss

 [ch 8: page 147] (107 words)

Acoustic shock
 [ch 8: pages 147-148] (556 words)

Voice damage

 [ch 8: page 148] (100 words)

Vibration

 [ch 8: pages 148-149] (330 words)

Radiation

 [ch 8: pages 149-153] (1,601 words)

Electromagnetic fields

 [ch 8: pages 153-156] (992 words)

Optical radiation

 [ch 8: pages 156-157] (402 words)

Electricity

 [ch 8: pages 157-158] (417 words)

Portable appliance testing
 [ch 8: page 158] (111 words)

Gas

 [ch 8: pages 158-159] (336 words)

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)

 [ch 8: page 159] (193 words)

Confined spaces

 [ch 8: page 159] (94 words)

Pressure systems

 [ch 8: page 160] (92 words)

Work in compressed air 
 [ch 8: page 160] (103 words)

Chapter 9

9. Hours of work

 [ch 9: page 161] (285 words)

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

The Working Time Directive

 [ch 9: pages 161-162] (121 words)

What is working time?

 [ch 9: pages 162-163] (486 words)

Time spent on-call

 [ch 9: pages 163-164] (515 words)

Unmeasured time

 [ch 9: page 164] (61 words)

Who is covered by WTR?
 [ch 9: page 164] (220 words)

Mobile workers

 [ch 9: pages 164-165] (305 words)

Drivers’ working hours

 [ch 9: pages 165-166] (227 words)

Exclusions from the WTR

 [ch 9: pages 166-167] (640 words)

Collective action on working time
 [ch 9: page 167] (103 words)

Children

 [ch 9: pages 167-168] (187 words)

The maximum working week

 [ch 9: page 168] (101 words)

The UK’s 48-hour opt-out

 [ch 9: page 168] (286 words)

Work Your Proper Hours Day

 [ch 9: pages 168-169] (124 words)

A claim of work-related stress

 [ch 9: page 169] (338 words)

Young workers

 [ch 9: pages 169-170] (105 words)

Night and shift work

 [ch 9: page 170] (801 words)

Night worker health assessments

 [ch 9: pages 171-172] (179 words)

Daily rest

 [ch 9: page 172] (38 words)

Weekly rest

 [ch 9: page 172] (74 words)

Rest breaks

 [ch 9: pages 172-173] (315 words)

Compensatory rest

 [ch 9: page 173] (371 words)

Holidays

 [ch 9: pages 173-174] (280 words)

Holiday entitlement

 [ch 9: page 174] (129 words)

Payment for holidays

 [ch 9: pages 174-177] (1,413 words)

Bank holidays

 [ch 9: page 177] (50 words)

Timing of holidays

 [ch 9: pages 177-178] (239 words)

Offshore oil workers

 [ch 9: page 178] (175 words)

Carrying unused leave forward 

 [ch 9: page 178] (127 words)

Pay in lieu of annual leave

 [ch 9: page 178] (73 words)

Sick leave and holiday

 [ch 9: pages 179-180] (839 words)

Agency workers’ enhanced rights

 [ch 9: page 180] (103 words)

Part-time workers
 [ch 9: pages 180-181] (127 words)

Collective and workforce agreements

 [ch 9: page 181] (56 words)

Enforcement

 [ch 9: page 181] (113 words)

Protection against detrimental treatment

 [ch 9: page 181] (179 words)

Compensation for injury to feelings
 [ch 9: page 182] (268 words)

Chapter 10

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

 [ch 10: page 183] (139 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

 ...
Subscribers only

Recording and reporting accidents

 [ch 10: page 183] (124 words)

What is reportable under RIDDOR?
 [ch 10: pages 183-185] (603 words)

Statistics on death and injury
 [ch 10: pages 185-187] (716 words)

The accident book

 [ch 10: page 187] (172 words)

Accident investigation

 [ch 10: pages 187-188] (197 words)

Protecting health information

 [ch 10: pages 188-189] (423 words)

TUC advice for safety on GDPR 
 [ch 10: pages 189-190] (335 words)

Ban on pre-employment health checks

 [ch 10: page 190] (139 words)

First aid

 [ch 10: pages 190-192] (661 words)

First aid training

 [ch 10: page 192] (141 words)

Guidance on the First Aid Regulations
 [ch 10: pages 192-193] (167 words)

Occupational health

 [ch 10: page 193] (100 words)

Fit for Work

 [ch 10: pages 193-194] (347 words)

Fit notes

 [ch 10: pages 194-195] (649 words)

Returning to work after long-term absence

 [ch 10: pages 195-196] (166 words)

Chapter 11

11. Stress, bullying, harassment and violence

 [ch 11: page 197] (184 words)

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

General duties

 [ch 11: page 197] (126 words)

Stress
 [ch 11: pages 197-198] (204 words)

TUC/HSE guidance on tackling stress
 [ch 11: pages 198-199] (489 words)

Seeking redress for work-related stress

 [ch 11: pages 199-200] (619 words)

Providing a counselling service

 [ch 11: pages 200-201] (72 words)

Exceeding the 48-hour week

 [ch 11: page 201] (59 words)

Mental health at work and discrimination

 [ch 11: page 201] (263 words)

Bullying and harassment

 [ch 11: page 201] (63 words)

Common law protection 

 [ch 11: page 202] (65 words)

Protection under the Equality Act 2010

 [ch 11: page 202] (56 words)

Harassment by third parties

 [ch 11: page 202] (269 words)

Constructive dismissal

 [ch 11: pages 202-203] (260 words)

Protection from Harassment Act 1997

 [ch 11: page 203] (225 words)

Violence

 [ch 11: pages 203-205] (780 words)

Emergency workers

 [ch 11: pages 205-206] (299 words)

Employer criminal liability

 [ch 11: pages 206-208] (1,048 words)

Cuts to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
 [ch 11: page 208] (193 words)

Dangerous dogs legislation

 [ch 11: pages 208-209] (295 words)

Further information

Further information

 [pages 210-211] (397 words)

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