Module 7:

7.2 Working safely

7.2.2 Other legal requirements

1   There are many other pieces of legislation that are relevant for employees and employers in contributing to working safely and for creating and providing a safe working environment.

i)   The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

In brief: Make sure a good range of policies and procedures are in place and are used properly to provide a safe working environment. These regulations are explicit in requiring risk assessments to be undertaken for work activities.

ii)   The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

In brief: Only provide machinery and tools that are fit for purpose and use them in the proper and safe way.

iii)   The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

In brief: Provide a clean and well-maintained work environment, including suitable facilities for rest and lunch breaks.

iv)   The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.

In brief: Stay safe by wearing all the relevant equipment provided by an employer to protect yourself against identified risks from maintenance activities.

v)   The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.

In brief: Don’t lift or move something unless you are sure you can do so safely.

vi)   The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013.

In brief: If a worker dies, suffers a specific type of injury or disease, is off work for more than 7-days, or a non-fatal injury happens to a non-worker then you need to report this and notify the Health and safety Executive (HSE).

vii)   The Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986.

In brief: To ensure a user of pesticides holds a certificate of competence. These regulations were made under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985.

viii)   The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.

In brief: Prevent and reduce exposure to chemicals, especially pesticides, requiring a risk assessment to be undertaken prior to any usage.

ix)   The Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012.

In brief: To improve the safe and sustainable use, sale and supply of pesticides so as to further reduce the risks and negative impacts of pesticides on the environment. These regulations were made as part of the original EU Directive 2009/128/EC.

x)   The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

In brief: Control and reduce a noisy work environment to values that are within or below set levels and protect your ears.

xi)   The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

In brief: Control and reduce worker exposure to machinery vibration. Limits and action values are set for hand-arm vibration (HAV) and whole body vibration (WBV).

xii)   The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.

In brief: Make sure an adequate first aid kit is available and at least one person can provide first aid assistance.