Key Workplace Safety Laws in the UK: A Guide for Businesses

Workplace safety is a legal obligation for all UK businesses, ensuring that employees and visitors are protected from hazards. Compliance with health and safety laws not only prevents accidents but also helps businesses avoid legal penalties and reputational damage.

This guide covers the most important workplace safety laws in the UK and explains how businesses can remain compliant.

1. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA)

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The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary law governing workplace safety in the UK. It places a legal duty on employers to:

• Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees and anyone affected by work activities.

• Implementing control measures to control risks to employees and visitors.

• Provide adequate training, equipment and supervision.

Failure to comply with HSWA can result in fines, enforcement notices, or even prosecution.

2. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

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This regulation builds upon the HSWA by requiring businesses to:

• Perform comprehensive risk assessments and document findings.

• Appoint competent persons to oversee workplace safety.

• Provide employees with appropriate health and safety training.

3. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

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Fire safety is a critical aspect of workplace compliance. This law requires businesses to:

• Conduct fire risk assessments and implement control measures.

• Maintain fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits.

• Appoint fire wardens and provide fire safety training.

Businesses must also ensure emergency lighting systems are functional and tested regularly.

4. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

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Electrical safety is a key concern in workplaces. This regulation mandates that employers:

• Ensure all electrical systems are maintained safely.

• Conduct Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to detect faults.

• Implement precautionary measures to prevent electrical hazards.

5. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

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Manual handling injuries are one of the most common workplace accidents. This law requires employers to:

• Assess risks related to lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling.

• Provide manual handling training to employees.

• Use lifting aids or mechanical assistance where possible.

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

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This regulation ensures workplaces meet basic safety standards, requiring businesses to:

• Maintain clean and well-lit working environments.

• Provide safe access, exits, and welfare facilities.

• Ensure adequate ventilation, temperature control, and sanitation.

7. The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992 (Amended 2022)

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Employers must provide free PPE to employees when risks cannot be eliminated through other means. The 2022 amendment extends this duty to temporary workers and self-employed individuals.

Examples of PPE include:

• Gloves and eye protection

• High-visibility clothing

• Respiratory protective equipment

8. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

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Businesses handling hazardous substances must:

• Conduct COSHH risk assessments.

• Provide proper storage, ventilation, and PPE.

• Train employees on safe handling and emergency procedures.

9. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998

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Employers must ensure all workplace equipment is safe to use. This includes:

• Regular maintenance and safety checks.

• Providing training for machinery operators.

• Implementing guarding measures to prevent accidents.

10. The Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations 1992

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For employees using computers and screens regularly, employers must:

• Conduct DSE risk assessments.

• Provide ergonomic workstations and eye care.

• Ensure regular breaks from screen work.

11. The Working at Height Regulations 2005

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Employers must prevent falls from height by:

• Conducting risk assessments before work begins.

• Providing guardrails, harnesses, and scaffolding.

• Ensuring regular equipment inspections.

12. The Noise at Work Regulations 2005

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Workplaces with high noise levels must:

• Conduct noise assessments.

• Provide hearing protection and soundproofing.

• Implement control measures to reduce exposure.

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

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Employers must:

• Provide first aid kits and trained personnel.

• Ensure emergency procedures are clearly communicated.

• Conduct risk-based first aid assessments.

14. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

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Certain workplace incidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), including:

• Serious injuries and fatalities.

• Occupational diseases.

• Dangerous occurrences (e.g., gas leaks, explosions, near-misses).

Ensuring Compliance with Workplace Safety Laws

Staying compliant requires ongoing risk assessments, training, and safety checks. Office Test offers expert compliance services to help businesses meet legal requirements and protect employees from workplace hazards.

For professional health and safety support and to learn more about our full range of services, visit Office Test’s Compliance Services.