HomeUK RulesEmploymentEmploying People › Health & Safety
Health and Safety at Work in the UK

All employers have certain legal responsibilities and obligations to meet relating to workplace health and safety (HSE). The information in this section explains what effect the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 has for workers in the United Kingdom.

What is the Health and Safety Executive?

HSE UK refers to a government body that enforces workplace health and safety legislation and offers advice for businesses.

The governance places a duty of care on all employers to ensure there is ‘reasonable’ welfare at work for their employees.

For this reason, there is a universal need to take the right precautions and reduce the risks of danger in the workplace.

Simply put, it means all employers must provide their staff with a safe working environment and take steps to reduce accidents.

This information provides guidance on what you need to do. Use this section to ensure your business complies with health and safety law in the United Kingdom.


Computer Use at Work

The guide covers health and safety issues relating to safe computer use at work. Check what employees and employers should do to comply with computer health and safety laws.

Farm Vehicles and Machinery

Information in the section addresses farm vehicles health and safety and its associated risks. Common types of accidents and fatalities on farms involve farming vehicles and machinery.

Health and Safety Executive

You can contact HSE for advice and information on work-related health and safety. You can also make a complaint and report work injuries or illnesses.

Health and Safety Executive
Redgrave Court
Merton Road
Bootle
Merseyside L20 7HS

Health and Safety Risk Assessments

Conducting a health and safety risk assessment helps to control risks in the workplace. This help guide explains how to make a risk assessment as part of business health and safety management.


Note: You should contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSENI) for workplace HSE legislation in Northern Ireland.


Health and Safety on Ships

A ship at sea runs in a self-contained environment. As a result, the ship owners and operators will be responsible for health and safety on ships.

Home-Based Businesses

Often, running a business from home is a cost effective way of starting a new venture. Check out the business premises regulations and required permissions.

Medical Suspensions

There are several reasons why you can get a medical suspension from work. Employers should suspend employees from working if their health and safety is in danger.

Recruiting Disabled People

All health and safety rules apply when recruiting disabled employees in the United Kingdom. Employers must avoid discriminating against disabled people during recruitment.

Smoking in the Workplace

HSE legislation on smoking at work is strict and can be punishing in the United Kingdom. Employers and employees need to understand the law for smoking in the workplace.

Window Cleaning

All window cleaning businesses must follow the window cleaning laws for working at height. Check the guide to plan and organise the risks associated with window cleaning activities.

Working with Food

The responsibilities of food safety apply to all food business operators. You must follow the food safety and hygiene regulations according to the law and ‘Safer Food, Better Business’.

Workplace Fire Safety

Health and safety nominates a ‘responsible person’ in charge of workplace fire safety. Find out what it means to be responsible for fire safety at business premises.

Workplace Temperature Regulations

Employers must provide their workers with ‘reasonable’ workplace temperatures. Check what the law says about working temperatures in the United Kingdom.

Work Related Stress

The guide explains work related stress and how stress and anxiety can develop. Find out how employers must help reduce workplace stress and employee rights.


UK Health and Safety Workplace Regulations: HSE Legislation