Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: What UK Employers Must Know
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) is the foundation of all UK health and safety law. Its purpose is to ensure employers provide a safe working environment for their staff, contractors, and anyone affected by their activities.
Key Employer Duties
Under the Act, employers must:
- Carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments
- Provide safe equipment and systems of work
- Offer information, training, and supervision
- Maintain a safe workplace and welfare facilities
- Consult with employees on health and safety matters
Employee Responsibilities
Workers must:
- Follow safety procedures
- Use equipment correctly
- Report hazards or defects
- Cooperate with their employer
The HSWA underpins assessments, permits, SSoWs, RAMS and almost every H&S document used in UK workplaces.
Together, these duties form the practical foundation of workplace health and safety in the UK. By applying the principles of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 through clear procedures, risk assessments and documented controls, employers can manage risks effectively and maintain a structured, legally compliant approach to protecting people at work.
