Occupational Health And Safety Legislation

Employers have duties under health and safety law to assess risks in the workplace. Risk assessments should be carried out that address all risks that might cause harm in the workplace. Employers must give employees information about the risks in their workplace and how they are protected, also instruct and train their employees on how to deal with the risks. Employers must consult employees on health and safety issues. Consultation must be either direct or through a safety representative that is either elected by the workforce or appointed by a trade union. It is an employees duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety. If possible avoid wearing jewellery or loose clothing if operating machinery. If the employee has long hair or wears a headscarf, make sure it's tucked out of the way (it could get caught in machinery). To take reasonable care not to put other people such as fellow employees and members of the public at risk by what they do or don't do in the course of their work. To co-operate with the employer, making sure the employee gets proper training and the employee understands and follows the company's health and safety policies. Not to interfere with or misuse anything that's been provided for their health, safety or welfare. To report any injuries, strains or illnesses they suffer as a result of doing their job (the employer may need to change the way they work). To tell their employer if something

The Occupational Health & Safety Act was introduced in 1979 and provides organizations with a legal framework to deal with workplace health and safety issues. The Act deals with the rights and responsibilities of work parties, and provides services to assist organizations in maintaining health standards to prevent workplace accidents. Under this act, the government also conducts research studies, gathers statistics on occupational accidents, and develops educational programs to encourage occupational health and safety.

Also to avoid dangerous moving and handling, the employees then have the responsibility of making sure they use all equipment as they have been trained to do so, follow all health and safety working practices within their workplace, avoid putting themselves, other staff, individuals or visitors at risk, and making sure they report any hazards or risks to their employer.

As an employer, you need to be aware of the processes and duties produced in these regulations and the practical implications imposed. There is also a duty to involve employees in all health and safety

The main features of the health and safety at work act is that it provides a framework for ensuring that all employees are in and a health and safety environment. The employer and staff have duty to ensure the health and safety not only of themselves but also other persons who may frequent the premises, such as children and their parents. Employees are due undertake an approved first aid course and a named person should be appointed to take charge in the event of an accident. As well as this, properly stocked first aid kit should be available – no medication should be kept in the first aid kit. In regards to a healthcare setting, this ensures that children and elderly are looked after as they may not be able to independently.

1.2 The main points of the policies and procedures are to ensure everyone follows the same guidelines, is safe and to minimise the chance of accidents.

E Occupational Health and Safety Administration (October 2013) You have the right to a safe workplace. Retrieved from

Under the Health & Safety at work Act I have many responsibilities as an employee. These responsibilities must be obeyed in order to maintain a safe working area and minimize any potential hazards or risks to yourself or others. Some of my responsibilities as an employee are as followed:

- The right to know - When it comes to working, every employee has the right to know about the environment they must work in. They have the right to know about potential dangers and hazards, as well how they can be affected in the work area. Do you know about WHMIS? It's good to know about this too! For more information on WHMIS, click here.

Health and safety legislations and regulations are implemented in own work settings because there will always be a possibility of accidents happening which may damage someone’s health and all work will expose people to hazards, however the health and safety legislations and regulations are put in place and used so that these risks and hazards are under control and so everyone’s health (staff and children) are safe at all costs.

This responsibility motivates the HR department and managers to implement stringent policies to prevent work-related injuries to avoid paying for higher workers’ compensation insurance. Moreover, it inspires the company to promote safety by organizing a safety committee to address hazards in the workplace to prevent injuries or deaths. The committee solicits employee suggestions and participation to increase compliance to company policies. It also develops various safety programs to promote employee wellness to improve their quality of life (Gomez-Mejia, et al, 2010).

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes safety guidelines for U.S. businesses. OSHA gives workers the right to a safe workplace, information on hazardous chemicals, and the ability to present safety concerns to management without fear of discrimination or termination. OSHA also gives workers the opportunity to report any safety violation directly to the agency while keeping their identities anonymous from their employers. OSHA works with industries to create appropriate guidelines to help ensure a safe working environment. The guidelines they create ensure that companies follow safe work practices, provide hazard and safety training, and provide protective equipment for employees. With regards to OSHA regulations, employees have the right, among other actions, to:

The knowledge to know about any potential safety hazards along with anything dangerous. The right to participate in making health and safety recommendations. The right to refuse unsafe work.

carry out their roles and responsibilities as detailed in the relevant health and safety policies and procedures

The Occupational Safety and Health Act is introduced in 1970, it is also known as OSH Act, it is administered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).The OSH Act covers all employers and their employees in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories. Coverage is provided either directly by the central Occupational Safety and Health Administration or by an OSHA-approved state job safety and health plan. The Act grants employees several important rights, including the right to file a complaint with OSHA about safety and health conditions in their workplaces and, to the scope permitted by law, have their