The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

An Act to make further provision for securing the health, safety and welfare of persons at work, for protecting others against risks to health or safety in connection with the activities of persons at work, for controlling the keeping and use and preventing the unlawful acquisition, possession and use of dangerous substances, and for controlling certain emissions into the atmosphere; to make further provision with respect to the employment medical advisory service; to amend the law relating to building regulations, and the Building (Scotland) Act 1959; and for connected purposes.

The management of health and safety at work regulations 1992

Two of the most important pieces of health and safety legislation affecting educational establishments across the UK are the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. These set the standards that must be met to ensure the health and safety of all employees and others who may be affected by any work activity. Other regulations also exist to cover work activities that carry specific risks, for example lifting and carrying, computer work and electricity.

Work Place Regulations 1992

The workplace and equipment, devices and systems are maintained in an efficient state, in good working order and in good repair; The temperature inside the workplace is reasonable and that thermometers are provided for employees; Waste should not accumulate; Employees must also be protected from dangerous substances including those that may burn or scald, any poisonous or toxic substance or any fume, vapour or other substance which is likely to cause danger to any person;
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Control of substances hazardous to health 1994

Thousands of people are exposed to hazardous substances at work. If the exposure is not prevented or properly controlled, it can cause serious illness, sometimes even death. It can also result in lost earnings, reduced productivity, expensive prosecutions, firms being sued and the nation having to pay for sickness benefit. Some examples of the effects of hazardous substances include:

Personal protective equipment 1992

The Regulations require PPE; for example, safety helmets, gloves, eye protection and high-visibility clothing, to be supplied and used at work wherever there are risks to workers' health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled in other ways. The Regulations require PPE to be. Properly assessed before use to ensure its suitability for the work being done. Maintained and stored properly. Provided with adequate instruction on how to use it safely. Worn correctly by the user.

Fire precautions (amendment) 1999

The Fire Precautions (Workplace) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/1877), were a result of European Communities Act 1972, brought the UK legislation up to a standard that met the fire safety requirements of two health and safety European Directives adopted in 1989. The amendments were laid before Parliament on July 7, 1999 and became law on December 1, 1999.

The health and safety display screen equipment 1992

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 apply to all display screen equipment (DSE) - computer screens. The main provisions are as follows: 1. Employers must carry out a risk assessment of workstations used by employees in order to reduce any identified risks. 2. Employers must ensure that employees take regular and adequate breaks from looking at their screens. (The Compact Law Risk Assessment Form recommends a five-minute break to do alternative work, either at an employee's desk or away from their desk every 30 minutes.) 3. Employers must ensure that employees are aware of their entitlement to yearly eye tests, with the cost of the eye test met by the employer in full. A "competent person" must carry out any eye test - this means a qualified optician. It is advisable for an employer to keep written records of who receives free eye tests, the dates and costs of the tests. Most opticians can provide individual reminders every year of when an employee's eye test is due.

The effects these regulations have had on the public services

All of the legislation that has been brought in, in the past few decades has reduced the chance of people being in danger at the workplace; this includes things such as the police force, fire brigade and the paramedics. For example the fire fighters have all safety equipment they need to do their job with minimum risk to them.