LRD guides and handbook July 2017

Health and safety law 2017

The 2017 edition of Health and Safety Law has been published at a time of considerable uncertainty, with the general election resulting in a hung parliament and Brexit negotiations just underway. This new edition of the Labour Research Department‘s annual guide to health and safety law has been updated to include these and other important developments. It covers new regulations, significant court cases, the implications of new legislation and provides guidance from the Health and Safety Executive, TUC and trade unions.

Health and Safety Law 2017 is an essential tool for union reps, safety reps and union officials to use in their negotiations with employers.

Introduction

Introduction [pages 9-11] (1,061 words)

This latest edition of the Labour Research Department’s annual guide to health and safety law, Health and Safety Law 2017, is being published at a ...
Subscribers only

Chapter 1

1. The structure of health and safety law

 (170 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
 [ch 1: pages 12-16] (1,983 words)

Increase in the small claims limit
 [ch 1: page 17] (301 words)

The European Union (EU) and UK Health and Safety Law

 [ch 1: pages 17-19] (900 words)

Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice and guidance

 [ch 1: page 20] (327 words)

New regulations

 [ch 1: page 20] (28 words)

Directors’ duties

 [ch 1: pages 20-22] (815 words)

Common law and statute law

 [ch 1: pages 22-23] (366 words)

Health and safety reviews under the Coalition government

 [ch 1: pages 23-25] (759 words)

Chapter 2

2. The health and safety inspection and enforcement regime

 [ch 2: page 26] (195 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Enforcement agencies and regulators

 [ch 2: pages 26-29] (810 words)

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority
 [ch 2: page 29] (232 words)

Workplace inspections

 [ch 2: pages 29-30] (314 words)

Proactive inspection cuts

 [ch 2: pages 30-31] (268 words)

National Enforcement Code

 [ch 2: page 31] (173 words)

Targeted enforcement

 [ch 2: page 31] (115 words)

Growth duty for non-economic regulators
 [ch 2: pages 31-32] (243 words)

The Regulators’ Code

 [ch 2: page 32] (101 words)

Paying for enforcement — fee for intervention

 [ch 2: pages 32-34] (654 words)

Penalties — notices and fines

 [ch 2: pages 34-35] (412 words)

Sentencing guidelines

 [ch 2: pages 35-37] (1,008 words)

HSE Enforcement Policy Statement

 [ch 2: page 37] (268 words)

Investigating work-related deaths

 [ch 2: page 38] (299 words)

Corporate manslaughter

 [ch 2: pages 38-39] (319 words)

Examples of convictions for corporate manslaughter

 [ch 2: pages 39-41] (870 words)

Hillsborough
 [ch 2: page 41] (225 words)

Crown immunity

 [ch 2: page 41] (108 words)

Chapter 3

3. The management of health and safety at work

 [ch 3: page 42] (75 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

 [ch 3: page 42] (78 words)

Risk assessments

 [ch 3: pages 42-44] (911 words)

Union involvement in risk assessment: hazard mapping

 [ch 3: pages 44-45] (185 words)

The principles of prevention

 [ch 3: page 45] (136 words)

Health and safety arrangements

 [ch 3: page 45] (59 words)

Health surveillance

 [ch 3: pages 45-46] (136 words)

Appointment of safety specialists

 [ch 3: page 46] (70 words)

Procedures for serious and imminent danger
 [ch 3: pages 46-47] (378 words)

Information and training

 [ch 3: pages 47-48] (467 words)

Co-operation and co-ordination

 [ch 3: page 48] (47 words)

Temporary workers

 [ch 3: page 48] (85 words)

New and expectant mothers

 [ch 3: page 49] (279 words)

Workplace hazards for pregnant and breastfeeding women

 [ch 3: pages 49-51] (618 words)

Health, safety and pregnancy and maternity case law
 [ch 3: pages 51-52] (609 words)

Pregnant agency workers

 [ch 3: pages 52-53] (118 words)

Pregnancy and night work

 [ch 3: page 53] (51 words)

MPs’ inquiry into pregnancy and maternity discrimination
 [ch 3: pages 53-54] (394 words)

Young workers

 [ch 3: pages 54-55] (375 words)

HSE Guidance on the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations

 [ch 3: page 55] (184 words)

Chapter 4

4. Safety reps, safety committees and taking action

 [ch 4: page 56] (151 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
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The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977

 [ch 4: page 56] (59 words)

Union impact on health and safety

 [ch 4: pages 56-57] (358 words)

Trade Union Act 2016 – threat to trade union facility time
 [ch 4: pages 57-58] (555 words)

Appointing safety reps

 [ch 4: pages 58-59] (370 words)

Safety reps’ functions

 [ch 4: pages 59-60] (106 words)

Consultation

 [ch 4: page 60] (259 words)

Facilities for safety reps

 [ch 4: pages 60-61] (151 words)

Safety reps’ legal rights to paid time off

 [ch 4: page 61] (261 words)

Case law on time off for safety reps [ch 4: pages 62-63] (601 words)

Right to information

 [ch 4: pages 63-64] (225 words)

Safety committees

 [ch 4: page 65] (140 words)

Enforcement of the Safety Reps and Safety Committees Regulations

 [ch 4: page 64] (122 words)

Safety reps reporting of problems to HSE

 [ch 4: pages 64-65] (289 words)

Consultation where there is no union recognition

 [ch 4: page 65] (127 words)

Safety reps representing all staff
 [ch 4: pages 65-66] (127 words)

Scope of employer’s obligation to consult

 [ch 4: page 66] (100 words)

The need for stronger regulations

 [ch 4: page 66] (203 words)

Legal protection for those taking action on safety
 [ch 4: pages 67-69] (1,001 words)

Reinstatement

 [ch 4: page 69] (354 words)

Compensation

 [ch 4: page 69] (71 words)

Whistleblowing — the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998

 [ch 4: pages 70-73] (1,530 words)

Interim relief

 [ch 4: pages 73-74] (321 words)

Changes to the tribunal system

 [ch 4: page 74] (55 words)

Tribunal fees

 [ch 4: pages 74-75] (350 words)

Acas early conciliation

 [ch 4: page 75] (246 words)

Blacklisting

 [ch 4: pages 75-78] (1,103 words)

Chapter 5

5. The workplace and the working environment

 [ch 5: page 79] (53 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
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Regulation of minimum workplace standards
 [ch 5: page 79] (159 words)

Stability and solidity

 [ch 5: page 79] (76 words)

Maintenance

 [ch 5: page 79] (57 words)

Ventilation

 [ch 5: page 80] (134 words)

Temperature

 [ch 5: pages 80-81] (371 words)

Lighting

 [ch 5: page 81] (115 words)

Cleanliness

 [ch 5: page 81] (35 words)

Space

 [ch 5: page 81] (147 words)

Workstations and seating

 [ch 5: page 82] (93 words)

Condition of floors

 [ch 5: page 82] (72 words)

Falls or falling objects

 [ch 5: page 82] (60 words)

Transparent surfaces and windows

 [ch 5: page 82] (66 words)

Doors and gates

 [ch 5: page 82] (27 words)

Organisation of traffic routes

 [ch 5: pages 82-83] (64 words)

Escalators and moving walkways

 [ch 5: page 83] (31 words)

Sanitary, washing and drinking facilities

 [ch 5: pages 83-85] (738 words)

Clothing and changing

 [ch 5: page 85] (242 words)

Menopause
 [ch 5: pages 85-86] (296 words)

Rest and eating facilities

 [ch 5: page 86] (167 words)

Disabled workers

 [ch 5: page 86] (60 words)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

 [ch 5: page 87] (277 words)

Smoking

 [ch 5: page 87] (208 words)

Premises and enforcement

 [ch 5: pages 87-88] (60 words)

Exemptions

 [ch 5: page 88] (401 words)

Smoking in vehicles

 [ch 5: page 89] (140 words)

No Smoking signs

 [ch 5: page 89] (40 words)

Smoking shelters

 [ch 5: page 89] (116 words)

E-cigarettes

 [ch 5: pages 89-90] (262 words)

Driving at work

 [ch 5: pages 90-91] (307 words)

Mobile phones and driving

 [ch 5: pages 90-91] (443 words)

Drug-driving limits

 [ch 5: pages 92-93] (549 words)

Driving standards for vision, diabetes and epilepsy

 [ch 5: pages 93-94] (290 words)

Legislation covering particular industries

 [ch 5: page 94] (114 words)

Construction

 [ch 5: pages 94-96] (390 words)

Mines

 [ch 5: page 96] (106 words)

Offshore

 [ch 5: page 96] (152 words)

Chapter 6

6. Hazardous substances

 [ch 6: page 97] (130 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Control of substances hazardous to health

 [ch 6: pages 97-99] (1,070 words)

Carcinogens and mutagens

 [ch 6: pages 100-101] (527 words)

EU action on carcinogens
 [ch 6: page 101] (247 words)

Silica dust

 [ch 6: page 102] (237 words)

Endocrine Chemical Disruptors

 [ch 6: pages 102-103] (215 words)

Asthma

 [ch 6: page 103] (174 words)

Dust

 [ch 6: pages 103-104] (269 words)

Legionnaires’ disease

 [ch 6: pages 104-105] (331 words)

Needlestick or sharps injuries

 [ch 6: page 105] (164 words)

Dermatitis and other skin conditions

 [ch 6: pages 105-106] (479 words)

Latex allergy

 [ch 6: page 106] (60 words)

Aerotoxic Syndrome

 [ch 6: page 106] (101 words)

Chemicals information and packaging

 [ch 6: page 107] (242 words)

European chemicals strategy (REACH)
 [ch 6: page 108] (261 words)

Safety data sheets

 [ch 6: pages 108-109] (206 words)

Major accident hazards

 [ch 6: pages 109-110] (518 words)

Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres
 [ch 6: pages 110-112] (504 words)

Asbestos

 [ch 6: page 112] (217 words)

Controlling risks from asbestos

 [ch 6: pages 112-113] (321 words)

The duty to manage asbestos

 [ch 6: pages 113-114] (338 words)

Compensation for asbestos-related diseases

 [ch 6: pages 114-115] (389 words)

Pleural plaques

 [ch 6: page 115] (157 words)

Call for an asbestos eradication law

 [ch 6: page 115] (134 words)

Lead

 [ch 6: pages 116-118] (697 words)

Transport of dangerous goods

 [ch 6: page 118] (131 words)

Genetically Modified Organisms

 [ch 6: pages 118-119] (345 words)

Pesticides

 [ch 6: page 119] (83 words)

Glyphosate
 [ch 6: pages 119-120] (296 words)

Changes to hazardous substances regulations?
 [ch 6: page 120] (100 words)

Chapter 7

7. Equipment and Clothing at Work

 [ch 7: page 121] (93 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Display screen equipment

 [ch 7: pages 121-123] (732 words)

Breaks for DSE users

 [ch 7: page 123] (266 words)

Rest breaks and monotonous work

 [ch 7: page 123] (94 words)

Machinery and other equipment

 [ch 7: pages 124-126] (1,018 words)

Lifting operations and equipment
 [ch 7: page 126] (188 words)

Work at height

 [ch 7: pages 126-127] (284 words)

Changes to work equipment regulations?
 [ch 7: page 127] (60 words)

Personal protective equipment

 [ch 7: pages 127-129] (816 words)

Agency workers and PPE

 [ch 7: page 129] (31 words)

Peripatetic workers and PPE – legal victory
 (215 words)

TUC footwear guidance

 [ch 7: page 130] (51 words)

Changes to head protection rules – turbans

 [ch 7: page 130] (79 words)

The manufacture and marketing of PPE

 [ch 7: page 130] (119 words)

Women’s PPE often not fit for purpose
 [ch 7: page 131-132] (470 words)

Discriminatory dress codes
 [ch 7: pages 132-133] (458 words)

Chapter 8

8. Physical hazards at work

 [ch 8: page 134] (84 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Manual handling

 [ch 8: page 134] (186 words)

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations

 [ch 8: pages 134-135] (370 words)

Consultation with safety reps
 [ch 8: pages 135-136] (68 words)

Manual handling tools

 [ch 8: pages 136-137] (669 words)

Protection under the Equality Act

 [ch 8: pages 137-138] (369 words)

Fire

 [ch 8: page 138] (231 words)

General fire precautions

 [ch 8: pages 138-139] (172 words)

Risk assessment

 [ch 8: page 139] (78 words)

Preventive and protection measures

 [ch 8: pages 139-140] (397 words)

Information and training

 [ch 8: page 140] (137 words)

Enforcement

 [ch 8: page 141] (143 words)

Noise
 [ch 8: page 141] (237 words)

Noise levels

 [ch 8: pages 141-142] (311 words)

Risk assessment

 [ch 8: pages 142-143] (280 words)

Controlling noise

 [ch 8: page 143] (226 words)

Hearing protection

 [ch 8: page 144] (287 words)

Information and training

 [ch 8: pages 144-145] (193 words)

Compensation for hearing loss

 [ch 8: page 145] (107 words)

Voice damage

 [ch 8: pages 145-146] (179 words)

Vibration

 [ch 8: pages 146-147] (330 words)

Radiation

 [ch 8: pages 147-148] (575 words)

Electromagnetic fields

 [ch 8: pages 148-151] (1,050 words)

Optical radiation

 [ch 8: pages 151-152] (398 words)

Sunlight

 [ch 8: pages 152-153] (338 words)

Electricity

 [ch 8: pages 153-154] (416 words)

Portable appliance testing
 [ch 8: page 154] (111 words)

Gas

 [ch 8: pages 154-155] (341 words)

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)

 [ch 8: page 155] (192 words)

Confined spaces

 [ch 8: page 156] (100 words)

Pressure systems

 [ch 8: page 156] (98 words)

Chapter 9

9. Hours of work

 [ch 9: page 157] (238 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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The Working Time Directive

 [ch 9: page 157] (121 words)

Working time 

 [ch 9: page 158] (349 words)

Time spent “on-call”

 [ch 9: pages 158-159] (389 words)

Unmeasured time

 [ch 9: page 159] (59 words)

Who is covered by WTR?
 [ch 9: pages 159-160] (155 words)

Mobile workers

 [ch 9: page 160] (308 words)

Drivers’ working hours

 [ch 9: pages 160-162] (534 words)

Exclusions from the WTR

 [ch 9: pages 162-163] (789 words)

Children

 [ch 9: page 164] (187 words)

The maximum working week

 [ch 9: page 164] (101 words)

Collective action on long hours
 [ch 9: page 164] (109 words)

The UK’s 48-hour opt-out

 [ch 9: page 165] (336 words)

A claim of work-related stress

 [ch 9: pages 165-166] (468 words)

Young workers

 [ch 9: page 166] (105 words)

Night and shift work

 [ch 9: pages 167-168] (579 words)

Night worker health assessments

 [ch 9: page 168] (179 words)

Shift work and health problems

 [ch 9: page 168] (82 words)

Daily rest

 [ch 9: page 168] (38 words)

Weekly rest

 [ch 9: page 169] (74 words)

Rest breaks

 [ch 9: page 169] (343 words)

Compensatory rest

 [ch 9: pages 169-170] (370 words)

Holidays

 [ch 9: pages 170-171] (271 words)

Holiday entitlement

 [ch 9: page 171] (129 words)

Payment for holidays

 [ch 9: pages 171-173] (1,113 words)

Bank holidays

 [ch 9: page 173] (50 words)

Timing of holidays

 [ch 9: page 174] (241 words)

Offshore oil workers

 [ch 9: page 174] (175 words)

Carrying unused leave forward 

 [ch 9: pages 174-175] (127 words)

Pay in lieu of annual leave

 [ch 9: page 175] (75 words)

Sick leave and holiday

 [ch 9: pages 175-176] (841 words)

Agency workers’ enhanced rights

 [ch 9: page 177] (104 words)

Part-time workers
 [ch 9: page 177] (126 words)

Collective and workforce agreements

 [ch 9: page 177] (56 words)

Enforcement

 [ch 9: pages 177-178] (209 words)

Protection against detrimental treatment

 [ch 9: page 178] (179 words)

Chapter 10

10. Reporting and recording, protection of information and occupational health 

 [ch 10: page 179] (72 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Recording and reporting accidents

 [ch 10: page 179] (122 words)

What is reportable under RIDDOR?
 [ch 10: pages 179-181] (606 words)

Statistics on death and injury

 [ch 10: page 181-183] (779 words)

The accident book

 [ch 10: page 183] (172 words)

Accident investigation

 [ch 10: pages 183-184] (198 words)

Protecting health information

 [ch 10: pages 184-185] (391 words)

Ban on pre-employment health checks

 [ch 10: page 185] (139 words)

First aid

 [ch 10: page 186] (28 words)

What the first aid regulations require

 [ch 10: pages 186-187] (649 words)

First aid training

 [ch 10: pages 187-188] (154 words)

Guidance on the first aid regulations
 [ch 10: page 188] (192 words)

Occupational health

 [ch 10: pages 188-189] (209 words)

Fit for Work

 [ch 10: pages 189-190] (708 words)

Fit notes

 [ch 10: pages 190-191] (385 words)

Returning to work after long-term absence

 [ch 10: pages 191-192] (182 words)

Work, health and disability 

 [ch 10: page 192] (280 words)

Chapter 11

11. Stress, bullying, harassment and violence

 [ch 11: page 193] (88 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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General duties

 [ch 11: page 193] (124 words)

Stress
 [ch 11: pages 193-194] (321 words)

TUC/HSE guidance on tackling stress
 [ch 11: pages 194-195] (512 words)

Seeking redress for work-related stress

 [ch 11: pages 195-196] (487 words)

Providing a counselling service

 [ch 11: page 196] (72 words)

Exceeding the 48-hour week

 [ch 11: pages 196-197] (59 words)

Mental health at work and discrimination

 [ch 11: page 197] (269 words)

Bullying and harassment

 [ch 11: pages 197-198] (690 words)

Common law protection 

 [ch 11: page 199] (65 words)

Protection under the Equality Act 2010

 [ch 11: page 199] (56 words)

Harassment by third parties

 [ch 11: page 199] (154 words)

Constructive dismissal

 [ch 11: pages 199-200] (262 words)

Protection from Harassment Act 1997

 [ch 11: page 200] (225 words)

Violence

 [ch 11: pages 201-203] (1,000 words)

Emergency workers

 [ch 11: page 203] (133 words)

Employer criminal liability

 [ch 11: pages 203-205] (1,108 words)

Cuts to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
 [ch 11: page 206] (195 words)

Dangerous dogs legislation

 [ch 11: pages 206-207] (301 words)

Further information

Further information

 (414 words)

All regulations made since 1988 can be downloaded from the website at: www.legislation.gov.uk
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Subscribers only