Role of Health and Safety Regulations

Adherence to regulations is crucial for workplace safety:

• Employer's Responsibility: Ensure compliance with all relevant rules and regulations.
• Employee's Responsibility: Follow company regulations to maintain safety standards.

Enforcement by the HSE

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) oversees enforcement:

• Inspections: Conduct on-the-spot inspections and review records to ensure full compliance.
• Legal Powers: Hold authority to take legal action against non-compliant employers.

Types of Legal Actions

Health and safety legislation covers various aspects:

• Criminal Actions: Initiate legal proceedings through state courts for breaches.
• Civil Actions: Allow for negligence claims and compensation for affected parties.

Enforcement Measures

The HSE can enforce compliance through:

• Improvement Notices: Provide time for corrective actions to be implemented.
• Prohibition Notices: Issue where there is a serious risk, leading to shutdowns until issues are resolved.