Nuts and bolts of health and safety revised

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 cover basic health, safety and welfare issues and apply to most workplaces, except for construction sites, on a ship, or below ground at a mine.

A recently updated HSE booklet, which takes into account recent legal changes, contains the regulations, the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and further practical guidance.

The booklet sets out an employers’ legal responsibility on workplace issues including ventilation, temperature, lighting, cleanliness, falling objects, traffic routes, escalators and washing facilities.

The ACOP is not compulsory but it does have a special legal status. If an employer is prosecuted for breach of health and safety law, and it is proved that they did not follow the relevant provisions of the Code, they will need to show that they have complied with the law in some other way or a Court will find the organisation at fault and they will face a fine.

However, concerned reps should refer an employer to ACOP which will ensure they meet their legal obligations.

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l24.htm