Typical Example of a Health And Safety Workplace Regulation
Employers have a general duty under section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees at work. Section 4 of the Act states that people in control of non-domestic properties have a duty towards people who are not employees but use their premises.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations aim is to ensure that workplaces meet the objectives laid down in the regulations. Under each of the three headings, Health, Safety and Welfare various aspects apply: Health covers general working environment of the workplace. Ventilation should provide for clean fresh air to be circulated within the workplace. Humid stale air will not be conducive to good health or effective working. Temperatures should be controlled indoors to 16oC for office conditions and 13oC for indoor areas involving physical work. Working in hot or cold environments will increase the health risks of those involved, therefore assessments should be made and the necessary control measures introduced Lighting should be adequate for workers to carry out their work duties safely. If the workstation needs extra lighting the local lighting should be installed. Areas that could present particular risks should also have extra lighting as in crossing points and traffic routes.
Cleanliness within the workplace is essential. Adequate storage of waste materials should be provided until the correct disposal the waste can be arranged. Floors, walls and surfaces also require cleaning on a regular basis. Adequate space in which to work is specified in the regulations. Workstations should be designed along ergonomic principles, ensuring a speedy evacuation of the workstation in the case of an emergency. Safety involves: Maintenance - regular and effective is essential to provide safe working conditions. Maintenance covers all aspects of the working environment. The provision of pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes in conjunction will signage and audible warning systems were appropriate will contribute to employee safety. Floors should be of adequate strength and in good condition. Crossing should be adequately marked and signed. Stairways, walkways above ground level excavations should be protected with hand rails or barriers. Provision should be provided to prevent either objects or people falling from heights. Doors, windows, partitions, gates and walls if containing glass should be assessed and control measures introduced. Doors and gates should be provided with safety devices if required. Escalators and moving walkways should be subjected to a preventative maintenance scheme involving condition and cleanliness.
Welfare covers: Toilets and washing facilities. Toilets should be clean good operational order and numbers to be adequate for the workers needs. Washing facilities clean and in good order, hot and cold water or at least warm, soap and a satisfactory means of drying should be provided. Drinking water should be provided form the mains supply, if this is not possible, water can be provided in enclosed containers. Designated rooms for the change of clothing, lockers if required. Designated areas for eating and resting. Approved codes of practice and guidance notes on the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) can be obtained from the H.S.E.
Health surveillance could be included under health arrangements in the Company's Health and Safety Policy. A health surveillance system would be used to monitor the state of health of the employees, but it could also be used to monitor effectiveness of the health and safety policy arrangements and as a consequence the control measures introduced after carrying out risk assessments.
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