����ý

In order to prevent accidents and keep workers safe, the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) outlines the responsibilities that both employers and employees have in keeping the working environment safe.

Employers should provide:

• staff training
• safety equipment, including tools and clothing where appropriate
• drinking water
• toilets and suitable washing facilities
• first aid equipment

Employees are expected to:

• complete training provided by their employer
• use safety equipment tools and wear safety clothing
• take responsibility for their own safety in the workplace
• report any risks to their employer

In addition, the Working Time Regulations (1998, amended 2003) place limits on the number of hours that employers can expect staff to work. They also specify the breaks employees are entitled to. The regulations ensure that staff:

• can only be asked to work, on average, up to 48 hours per week
• are entitled to a minimum of 5.6 weeks’ holidays per year
• have a minimum of one day off each week
• have at least 11 consecutive hours off in every 24-hour period
• take a 20-minute break when working more than 6 hours