Regulation of minimum standards for the workplace

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (Workplace Regulations) lay down minimum standards for workplaces, the working environment and welfare facilities. Workplaces in many sectors also benefit from separate guidance published by relevant professional institutions that may improve on these minimum standards.

The HSE revised and reissued its Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) and guidance on Workplace health, safety and welfare (L24) in 2013. This followed its review of ACoPs recommended by the Löfstedt review of health and safety legislation (see Chapters 1 and 12).

The Workplace Regulations apply to virtually all fixed workplaces. The regulations state that where a workplace is in a building, “the building shall have a stability and solidity appropriate to the nature of the use of the workplace” (Regulation 4a).

Temporary work sites are also included. They must have “so far as is reasonably practicable”, toilets and washing facilities, drinking water, changing facilities and accommodation for clothing, and facilities for rest and eating meals. Outdoor sites must have toilets, washing facilities and drinking water. Employers must take account of those parts of the workplace “including doors, passageways, stairs, showers, washbasins, lavatories and workstations”, used by disabled workers.