CDM/General/TBT-CDM-026
HSWA 1974 Core Duties Awareness
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Toolbox Talk
HSWA 1974 Core Duties Awareness
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is the primary piece of UK health and safety legislation. It places duties on employers, employees, the self-employed, and anyone who controls work premises. Understanding these core duties is fundamental to working safely and legally on any UK construction site. This talk explains the key duties that apply to everyone involved in construction work.
Key Hazards
Prosecution for failing to meet the general duties under the Act
Workers injured because employers did not provide safe systems of work
Operatives endangering themselves or others by ignoring safety procedures
Third parties harmed by construction activities affecting the public
Control Measures
- Employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all employees.
- Employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected.
- Cooperate with your employer on health and safety matters and follow the procedures provided.
- Do not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health, safety, or welfare purposes.
- Employers must provide information, instruction, training, and supervision as necessary for safety.
- The self-employed must conduct their work without creating risks to themselves or others.
- Controllers of premises must ensure the premises are safe for all persons using them.
- Report any hazard, defect, or unsafe condition that could put anyone at risk.
- Understand that breaching these duties is a criminal offence with potentially unlimited fines.
Remember
- You have a legal duty to take reasonable care of your own safety and that of others
- Cooperate with your employer on all health and safety matters and follow site procedures
- Never interfere with or misuse anything provided for health and safety purposes
- Report any hazard, defect, or unsafe condition that could put anyone at risk
- Breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act is a criminal offence with serious penalties
Applicable Legislation: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Sections 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8) · CDM 2015 · MHSWR 1999
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