Health and Safety at Work Act
What is the Health and Safety at Work Act?
The Health and Safety at Work Act is a piece of legislation that was passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom in the year 1974; this act both serves to protect and preserve the rights and liberties entitled to workers and laborers within the United Kingdom through the revamping of preexisting labor laws, and the modification of standards and practices required to be upheld within the workplace.
Issues Addressed by the Health and Safety at Work Act
The following issues are addressed within the text of the Health and Safety at Work Act; these issues range from the implementation of workplace safety to the determination of a workplace deemed to be sufficient for the safety of workers and laborers:
Hazards and Accidents in the Workplace
The Health and Safety at Work Act addresses workplace hazards and accidents as circumstances that both cause – as well as result - from negligence on the part of an employer. Prior to a business deemed to provide a safe environment for its workers, The Health and Safety at Work Act require the examination of insurance coverage, potential hazards, the safe operation of equipment, and the assurance that proper training has been imparted:
The Health and Safety at Work Act requires the adherence to the implementation of safety requirements with regard to the surrounding environment, as well as on the site of employment; the respective adherence to this standards are the expressed responsibility of the employer
In order to minimize the probability of both injuries and damages sustained resulting from insufficient adherence to safety protocol, an inspection in accordance to the principles mentioned within the Health and Safety at Work Act are required prior to a business receiving its license
Substances and materials determined to be hazardous, dangerous, or detrimental to the health and wellbeing of any or all employees are required to be handled in a manner expressed by the Health and Safety at Work Act in order to reduce the risk of workplace illness and injury; these substances may include dangerous objects, chemicals, or materials deemed to be hazardous by the Health and Safety at Work Act
Laborer’s Rights and Liberties Expressed by the Health and Safety at Work Act
The Health and Safety at Work Act mandates that the preservation and protection of the rights and liberties afforded to laborers is considered to be the sole responsibility of the employer:
The expressed notification of an employee’s right to a safe and healthy work environment must be made available for access on the part of the employees or laborers; these precepts mentioned within the Health and Safety at Work Act require appropriate hours of labor, required training, and notifications with regard to any potential damage, risk, or danger
Reporting a Violation of the Health and Safety at Work Act
In the event that an individual wishes to place a verified report of the practices and standards required within the Health and Safety at Work Act, they are encouraged to contact the Labour Research Department of the United Kingdom through their telephone number: 020 7928 3649
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