Health and Safety at Work Health and Safety

Health and Safety at Work

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Ø Employers have a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the employees as far as it is reasonably possible Ø Duties include: l Make sure that equipment is safe l Provide training in health and safety l Make sure that there are safe ways to enter and leave the building l Avoid risks in handling, storing and moving articles Ø However, employees are expected to act safely

How has this changed? Ø Under the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1992, the employer must carry out a wider range of duties to protect their employees

What are these added duties? Ø Risk Assessments Ø Select and maintain equipment Ø Reduce risk of handling loads Ø Ensure that the working environment is safe e. g. well ventilated, correct temperature, enough lighting Ø Ensure that building is safe e. g. no hazards, fire exits etc. Ø Provide facilities such as toilets, eating facilities etc.

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations Ø Risks must be identified and stressed e. g. muscular problems, eye fatigue and measures should be taken to reduce these risks Ø Workstations should meet certain standards e. g. minimum glare, monitors to be set at particular angles, wrist support Ø Breaks given at regular intervals to avoid eye fatigue Ø Users are entitled to eye tests