Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Question 1

What is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974?

Answer 1

It defines the fundamental structure and authority for the encouragement of workplace’s health, safety and welfare.

Question 2

What are 3 key points of HASAWA?

Answer 2

Risk Assessments= regularly assess the risks and put measure into place to minimise them.

Health and Safety Policy= workplaces with 5+ employees must have a written health and safety policy with training provided on it.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)= employers must provide PPE where necessary and ensure employees are trained on its use.

Question 3

What is the health and safety executive (HSE)?

Answer 3

Responsible for monitoring health and safety in a workplace.

Carry out spot checks and investigations if an accident occurs.

Enforce legislation by issuing improvement notices or taking settings to court.

Provide guidance and advice on how to minimise risks in the workplace.

Question 4

Why must a risk assessment be carried out?

Answer 4

A legal requirement.

Everyone has the right to be protected.

Prevents accidents, illnesses and danger occurring.

Question 5

What are the 5 steps of a risk assessment?

Answer 5

1. Look for any potential hazards.
2. Who might be harmed.
3. What is the level of risk.
4. Make a record of the findings.
5. Review the risk assessment regularly.