The Health and Safety at Work Act is a piece of legislation that ensures that all employers provide a safe working environment and look out for the health of their employees, wherever their place of work. It is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in Great Britain. The Act sets out the general duties which employers have towards employees and members of the public, employees have to themselves and to each other, and certain self-employed have towards themselves and others. The Act requires employers to provide employees with an environment free from recognized hazards such as exposure to toxic chemicals and infectious agents, excessive noise levels, mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress, and conditions that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) oversees the administration of the Act and enforces standards in all 50 states. The key points of the Act can be distilled down into the following six points:
- Provide a safe place of work
- Provide safe equipment
- Provide safe systems of work
- Provide information, instruction, training, and supervision
- Ensure the workplace is safe for employees and visitors
- Provide a safe working environment for employees who work with hazardous substances
Adhering to ISO 45001 is a good way to manage essential occupational health and safety activities and evidence that your workplace is compliant with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
