Workplace Legislation

Question 1

Describe the employer and employee responsibilities under the health and safety at work act (HASAWA). (8)

Answer 1

Employer:
- Provide a safe place of work for employees through risk assessing to identify hazards and minimise them.
- Ensure entrances and exits are clearly marked.
- Provide employees with training on health and safety in the workplace.
- Provide safety equipment that is regularly checked and maintained.

Employee:
- Immediately report any faults with machinery or equipment.
- Co-operate with health and safety policies and take reasonable care of themselves and others.
- Always follow guidelines when operating heavy machinery and never operate when not authorised or trained to.
- Ensure they are familiar with the organisation’s health and safety policy.

Question 2

Describe how the employer can comply with Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) legislation. (4)

Answer 2

• Regularly check IT equipment and ensure it is maintained and safe to use.
• Offer, on request, regular eye tests for employees who work IT regularly.
• Provide training and info for employees on how to work to minimise health implications when working with DSE.
• Do a DSE workstation assessment to identify any DSE health issues.

Question 3

What are the employee responsibilities under the health and safety DSE legislation. (4)

Answer 3

• Use equipment when needed and use properly eg adjust computer chair to suit their height.
• Follow all training related to DSE.
• Plan work activities for the day so ensure there is variety and not long periods of time working with DSE.
• Ask for eye tests when needed.

Question 4

What are the employer responsibilities under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations)? (3)

Answer 4

• Accidents must be reported when they result in an employee being away from work for more than 7 days due to a injury.
• Accidents must be recorded, but not reported, when a worker is unable to go to work for more than 3 days.
• Accidents to members of the public or others who are not at work must be reported if they are injured and is taken directly to hospital.

Question 5

What are the employer responsibilities under COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)? (4)

Answer 5

• Find out what the health hazards are
• Decide how to prevent harm to health
• Plan for emergencies
• Providing infromation, instruction and training for employees and others.

Question 6

What are the employer responsibilities under Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations? (3)

Answer 6

• Carry out a risk assessment of first-aid needs to determine what to provide.
• Provide adequate and appropriate equipment/staff and facilities to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if injured or taken ill.
• Inform employees about the first-aid arrangements.

Question 7

Describe the employer and employee responsibilities under the Fire (Scotland) Act. (7)

Answer 7

Employer:
- Carry out a fire risk assessment.
- Implement strategies to minimise fire potential.
- Provide fire safety equipment.
- Implement a fire evacuation plan.

Employee:
- Take care of their own safety in respect of harm caused by fire.
- Take care of other employees.
- Co-operate with employer with respect to fire legislation.