Health and safety law creates rights at work for you to be protected from anything that could harm your health and safety. Other workers and visitors to your workplace are also protected.

The employer’s duties are to ensure, “so far as is reasonably practicable” the health, safety and welfare of workers, including stress at work.

This has to be done by carrying out risk assessments, consulting safety representatives and safety committees, providing information, instruction and training to workers and others who are in a contractual relationship. Compliance with some Regulations is absolute and not constrained by the “practicability” provision.

If an employer fails to comply with health and safety law then this is an offence and may lead to prosecution.

Workers who exercise their health and safety statutory rights are protected from detrimental action by their employer. If you feel that you employer is not doing proper risk assessments, or isn’t taken action to correct an unsafe or dangerous workplace then speak to your trade union or to your workplace Health and Safety rep.

If you are not a member of a union then visit unionfinder to find the best union for you.

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Health and safety and disability

Some employers try to use health and safety as an excuse not to provide reasonable adjustments for disabled members of staff. It is very rare that health and safety can be used as a legitimate reason in these cases.

It is also important to remember that health and safety doesn’t just protect your physical well being but also your mental health and well being. Workplaces that have a culture of bullying and harassment, long hours and unfair treatment of staff are likely to be breaking health and safety legislation, by causing stress.

Go to the Disability section to find out more.

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