Your employer's duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act1974 (HASAWA) is to provide you with a safe and healthy workplace, and this includes:
- a safe system of work;
- a safe place of work;
- safe equipment, plant and machinery;
- safe and competent people working alongside you, because employers are also liable for the actions of their staff and managers;
- carrying out risk assessments as set out in regulations, and taking steps to eliminate or control these risks;
- informing workers fully about all potential hazards associated with any work process, chemical substance or activity, including providing instruction, training and supervision;
- appointing a 'competent person' responsible for health and safety (competent persons, such as a head of health and safety, oversee day-to-day safety management, oversee safety inspections, and liaise with staff safety reps);
- consulting with workplace safety representatives (if a union is recognised, your employer must set up and attend a workplace safety committee if two or more safety reps request one); and
- providing adequate facilities for staff welfare at work.
