Having good provisions for health and safety

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

Also known as the 'Management Regs', these came into effect in 1993. Main employer duties under the Regulations include:

• making 'assessments of risk' to the health and safety of its workforce, and to act upon risks they identify, so as to reduce them (Regulation 3);
• appointing competent persons to oversee workplace health and safety;
• providing workers with information and training on occupational health and safety; and
• operating a written health and safety policy.

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

The main provisions of these Regulations require employers to provide:

• adequate lighting, heating, ventilation and workspace (and keep them in a clean condition);
• staff facilities, including toilets, washing facilities and refreshment; and
• safe passageways, i.e. to prevent slipping and tripping hazards.

3. The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992

The main provisions here apply to display screen equipment (DSE) 'users', defined as workers who 'habitually' use a computer as a significant part of their normal work. This includes people who are regular users of DSE equipment, or rely on it as part of their job. This covers you if you use DSE for an hour or more continuously, and/or you are making daily use of DSE.

Employers are required to:

• make a risk assessment of workstation use by DSE users, and reduce the risks identified;
• ensure DSE users take 'adequate breaks';
• provide regular eyesight tests;
• provide health and safety information;
• provide adjustable furniture (e.g. desk, chair, etc.); and
• demonstrate that they have adequate procedures designed to reduce risks associated with DSE work, such as repetitive strain injury (RSI).

4. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

The main provisions require employers to:

• ensure that suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided free of charge "wherever there are risks to health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled in other ways." The PPE must be 'suitable' for the risk in question, and include protective face masks and goggles, safety helmets, gloves, air filters, ear defenders, overalls and protective footwear; and
• provide information, training and instruction on the use of this equipment.