A Summary of Key Health and Safety Legislation from 2010

In order to make Health and Safety legislation easier for businesses to comply with, the main new Health and Safety Legislation in the UK is implemented on only two dates in the UK: on the 1st October and 6th April. The bringing together of all major new health and safety legislations on these dates makes it easier for businesses to adhere to the legislation without too much inconvenience.

In April the following Health and Safety Legislation was implemented:

Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes Regulations

These regulations specified that certain information about conventional tower cranes installed or reinstalled on site, be given to the HSE who will then make this information publicly availably in a national register

Biocidal Products (Amendment) Regulations 2010

This regulation is the implementation of a European Directive, extending by 4 years the period during which “existing” active substances will be reviewed and considered for inclusion in Annex 1 of the Biocidal Products Directive 98/8/EC.

Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010

This legislation aims to protect workers from the associated risk of exposure to artificial optical radiation in the workplace. Sources of artificial optical radiation include lasers and UV light.

The legislation will mean that employers are required to proper account of the risks associated with Artificial Optical Radiation. The regulations do not require employers who are already taking necessary and proper precautions to undertake an unnecessary risk assessment where only safe sources are in use. The regulation only applies where there is a realistic and foreseeable risk of adverse damage to the eyes and/or skin of workers.

Docks (Amendment) Regulations 2010

This legislation removes the requirement for a certificate confirming the safety of a vessel used to transport workers in dock operations from any working place to dock premises. This will cut down on excessive amounts of paper work in Docks and help make the process more streamlined.

In November 2010 new legislation created stating:

All non-domestic premises must hold a valid Fire Safety Risk Assessment

Rather than some premises requiring fire certificates, these regulations mean that all non-domestic premises will be required to hold a valid fire safety risk assessment. The fire risk assessment is the responsibility of employers, owners, managers and landlords, who must then ensure measures to protect lives, are put in place.

At the end of last year, the Government promised a shake up of health and safety law, which they stated will replace the “unnecessary bureaucracy” that is seen by some with regard to Health and Safety Legislation.

Hopefully, the moves made by the Government will become evident over 2011 and will help transform public opinion of Health and Safety legislation; after all, the rules are only in place to keep us all safe.