EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES
Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Employers are legally required to take reasonable steps to protect workers from harm by providing safe equipment, training, welfare facilities, and safe systems of work. Employees also have important responsibilities, including following workplace safety procedures, using personal protective equipment when required, and reporting hazards. Understanding these responsibilities helps create a safer and healthier workplace for everyone.
Transcript
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must do everything that is reasonably practicable to protect workers from harm. This means taking sensible and appropriate steps to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related illnesses.
Employees also have a responsibility to take care of their own health and safety and avoid actions that could put other people at risk.
Your employer must provide a safe workplace, safe equipment, safe working methods, and suitable welfare facilities such as toilets and clean drinking water.
You are expected to take reasonable care of your own safety and the safety of anyone who may be affected by your actions while at work.
The Health and Safety Executive, known as the HSE, is responsible for enforcing health and safety laws in the United Kingdom. The HSE has the authority to inspect workplaces and take legal action against employers who fail to meet their responsibilities.
Workplaces with five or more employees must have a written Health and Safety Policy, and employees have the right to read and understand that policy.
Key Takeaways
Your Employer Must:
- Provide safe equipment.
- Deliver health and safety training.
- Maintain a written health and safety policy.
- Assess and manage workplace risks.
- Provide suitable welfare facilities.
You Must:
- Follow safe working procedures.
- Use PPE when required.
- Report hazards and unsafe conditions.
- Cooperate with your employer.
- Attend health and safety training.
Did You Know?
Failure to comply with health and safety legislation can result in significant penalties, including fines, business closure, and in serious cases, criminal prosecution. Understanding and following workplace health and safety requirements helps protect both individuals and organisations.