Health and Safety at Work

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974  Employers have a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the employees as far as it is reasonably possible  Duties include: Make sure that equipment is safe Make sure that equipment is safe Provide training in health and safety Provide training in health and safety Make sure that there are safe ways to enter and leave the building Make sure that there are safe ways to enter and leave the building Avoid risks in handling, storing and moving articles Avoid risks in handling, storing and moving articles  However, employees are expected to act safely

How has this changed?  Under the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1992, the employer must carry out a wider range of duties to protect their employees

What are these added duties?  Risk Assessments  Select and maintain equipment  Reduce risk of handling loads  Ensure that the working environment is safe e.g. well ventilated, correct temperature, enough lighting  Ensure that building is safe e.g. no hazards, fire exits etc.  Provide facilities such as toilets, eating facilities etc.

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations  Risks must be identified and stressed e.g. muscular problems, eye fatigue and measures should be taken to reduce these risks  Workstations should meet certain standards e.g. minimum glare, monitors to be set at particular angles, wrist support  Breaks given at regular intervals to avoid eye fatigue  Users are entitled to eye tests