Often referred to as HASAW or HSW, this Act of Parliament is the main piece of UK health and safety legislation. It places a duty on all employers “to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work” of all their employees.
Among other provisions, the Act also requires:
safe operation and maintenance of the working environment, plant and systems
maintenance of safe access and egress to the workplace
safe use, handling and storage of dangerous substances
adequate training of staff to ensure health and safety
adequate welfare provisions for staff at work.
Employers must also keep and revise a written record of health and safety policy and consult with employees or their representatives on such policies