Health and safety law including: the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).

The idea

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) is the main law protecting people at work in the UK. It places a duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees and others affected by the business, such as customers and visitors. This includes providing safe equipment, training, risk assessments and a written health and safety policy where required. Employees must also take reasonable care of themselves and others and cooperate with the employer. The Act is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities, who can inspect premises, issue improvement or prohibition notices, and prosecute. For a business, compliance raises costs but reduces accidents, sick leave, insurance premiums and legal penalties, and protects reputation.

What earns the marks

• Identifies the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 as the main health and safety law affecting UK businesses.
• Explains that employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and others affected by the business, so far as is reasonably practicable.
• Gives examples of employer duties such as carrying out risk assessments, providing safe equipment, giving training, and maintaining safe premises.
• States that employees must take reasonable care of themselves and others and cooperate with their employer on health and safety.
• Explains that the Act is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities, who can inspect, issue notices and prosecute.
• Analyses the impact on a business, such as increased costs, reduced accidents, lower insurance premiums, and protection of reputation.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Thinking the Act only covers physical injuries.

  Put it right: It also covers health and welfare, including stress and occupational illness.

• Believing health and safety is only the employer's responsibility.

  Put it right: Employees also have a duty to take reasonable care and cooperate.

• Assuming the Act applies only to factories.

  Put it right: It applies to nearly all workplaces, including offices, shops and schools.

• Confusing the HSWA with other legislation such as consumer law.

  Put it right: The HSWA deals specifically with workplace health, safety and welfare.

Exam tips

• Use the phrase 'so far as is reasonably practicable' when explaining employer duties, as it shows precise understanding of the Act.
• Link health and safety compliance to business costs and benefits, such as lower accident rates and reduced insurance premiums, to reach analysis marks.
• When asked about consequences, consider effects on employees, customers, costs, reputation and legal penalties to broaden your answer.
• Avoid listing every possible hazard; instead, explain how the Act changes what a business must do.