LRD guides and handbook July 2018

Health and safety law 2018

It is less than a year before the UK is expected to leave the European Union (EU) but even now the terms of leaving remain far from clear. However, much of UK health and safety law is underpinned by EU law which means that a so-called hard Brexit could have severe consequences. In these circumstances it is as important now as it has ever been for safety reps and other union reps to have access to a comprehensive trade union guide to the law on health and safety at work. Health and Safety Law 2018 sets out the law using clear and practical language, it explains the changes that have taken place since the last edition, and addresses likely developments for 2018-19. Health and Safety Law 2018 is an essential tool for safety reps, union reps and officials to protect members and to use in their negotiations with employers.

Introduction

Introduction
 [pages 8-10] (1,110 words)

This latest edition of the Labour Research Department’s annual guide to health and safety law, Health and Safety Law 2018, is being published less ...
Subscribers only

Chapter 1

1. The structure of health and safety law

 [ch 1: page 11] (78 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

 ...
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Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
 [ch 1: pages 11-14] (1,422 words)

Increase in the small claims limit
 [ch 1: pages 14-15] (267 words)

Landmark case on symptomless physiological injury
 [ch 1: page 15] (303 words)

The European Union, UK health and safety law and Brexit
 [ch 1: pages 16-17] (684 words)

Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice and guidance

 [ch 1: pages 17-18] (326 words)

New regulations

 [ch 1: page 18] (28 words)

Directors’ duties
 [ch 1: pages 18-20] (759 words)

Common law and statute law

 [ch 1: page 20] (364 words)

Health and safety reviews under the Coalition government 2010-2015

 [ch 1: pages 21-23] (753 words)

Chapter 2

2. The health and safety inspection and enforcement regime

 [ch 2: page 24] (179 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Enforcement agencies and regulators

 [ch 2: pages 24-25] (317 words)

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority
 [ch 2: pages 25-26] (277 words)

Joint Competent Authority to enforce building regulations and fire safety recommended
 [ch 2: pages 26-28] (1,100 words)

Workplace inspections

 [ch 2: pages 29-30] (319 words)

National Enforcement Code

 [ch 2: page 30] (173 words)

Targeted enforcement

 [ch 2: page 30] (110 words)

Growth duty for non-economic regulators
 [ch 2: pages 30-31] (280 words)

The Regulators’ Code

 [ch 2: page 31] (102 words)

Paying for enforcement — fee for intervention

 [ch 2: pages 31-3] (562 words)

Penalties — notices and fines
 [ch 2: pages 32-33] (315 words)

Sentencing guidelines

 [ch 2: pages 33-35] (975 words)

HSE Enforcement Policy Statement

 [ch 2: pages 35-36] (261 words)

Investigating work-related deaths

 [ch 2: pages 36-37] (299 words)

Corporate manslaughter

 [ch 2: page 37] (307 words)

Examples of convictions for corporate manslaughter

 [ch 2: pages 37-39] (822 words)

Hillsborough
 [ch 2: page 39] (188 words)

Grenfell Tower fire
 [ch 2: page 40] (55 words)

Crown immunity

 [ch 2: page 41] (108 words)

Chapter 3

3. The management of health and safety at work

 [ch 3: page 41] (80 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

 [ch 3: page 41] (78 words)

Risk assessments

 [ch 3: pages 41-43] (891 words)

Union involvement in risk assessment: hazard mapping

 [ch 3: page 43] (219 words)

The principles of prevention

 [ch 3: page 44] (136 words)

Health and safety arrangements

 [ch 3: page 44] (59 words)

Health surveillance

 [ch 3: pages 44-45] (125 words)

Appointment of safety specialists

 [ch 3: page 45] (69 words)

Procedures for serious and imminent danger
 [ch 3: page 45] (213 words)

Information and training

 [ch 3: pages 45-46] (423 words)

Co-operation and co-ordination

 [ch 3: page 47] (47 words)

Temporary workers

 [ch 3: page 47] (85 words)

New and expectant mothers

 [ch 3: page 47] (236 words)

Workplace hazards for pregnant and breastfeeding women

 [ch 3: pages 48-49] (643 words)

Health, safety and pregnancy and maternity case law
 [ch 3: pages 49-51] (824 words)

Pregnant agency workers

 [ch 3: page 51] (118 words)

Pregnancy and night work

 [ch 3: pages 51-52] (164 words)

MPs’ inquiry into pregnancy and maternity discrimination
 [ch 3: pages 52-53] (371 words)

Young workers

 [ch 3: pages 53-54] (373 words)

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

 [ch 3: page 54] (164 words)

Chapter 4

4. Safety reps, safety committees and taking action

 [ch 4: page 55] (152 words)

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

 [ch 4: pages 55-56] (438 words)

Going beyond the legal minimum
 [ch 4: pages 56-57] (457 words)

Trade Union Act 2016 — threat to trade union facility time
 [ch 4: pages 57-58] (603 words)

Appointing safety reps

 [ch 4: pages 58-59] (393 words)

Safety reps’ functions

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

Consultation

 [ch 4: page 60] (266 words)

Facilities for safety reps

 [ch 4: pages 60-61] (147 words)

Safety reps’ legal rights to paid time off

 [ch 4: page 61] (276 words)

Case law on time off for safety reps 

 [ch 4: pages 61-63] (758 words)

Right to information

 [ch 4: page 63] (225 words)

Safety committees

 [ch 4: page 64] (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] (288 words)

Consultation where there is no union recognition

 [ch 4: page 65] (127 words)

Safety reps representing all staff
 [ch 4: page 65] (127 words)

Scope of employer’s obligation to consult

 [ch 4: page 66] (100 words)

The need for stronger regulations

 [ch 4: page 66] (222 words)

Legal protection for those taking action on safety
 [ch 4: pages 66-68] (858 words)

Reinstatement

 [ch 4: pages 68-69] (353 words)

Compensation

 [ch 4: page 69] (73 words)

Whistleblowing — the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998

 [ch 4: pages 69-72] (1,583 words)

The Francis report

 [ch 4: page 72-73] (109 words)

Interim relief

 [ch 4: page 73] (298 words)

Changes to the tribunal system

 [ch 4: page 73] (55 words)

Employment tribunal fees abolished
 [ch 4: page 74] (209 words)

Acas early conciliation

 [ch 4: page 74] (252 words)

Blacklisting

 [ch 4: pages 75-76] (639 words)

Court victory for blacklisted workers but fight goes on
 [ch 4: pages 76-77] (370 words)

Chapter 5

5. The workplace and the working environment

 [ch 5: page 78] (164 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
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Regulation of minimum workplace standards
 [ch 5: page 78] (159 words)

Stability and solidity

 [ch 5: pages 78-79] (76 words)

Maintenance

 [ch 5: page 79] (57 words)

Ventilation

 [ch 5: page 79] (135 words)

Temperature

 [ch 5: pages 79-80] (379 words)

Lighting

 [ch 5: page 80] (104 words)

Cleanliness

 [ch 5: page 80] (35 words)

Space

 [ch 5: page 81] (147 words)

Workstations and seating

 [ch 5: page 81] (80 words)

Condition of floors

 [ch 5: page 81] (72 words)

Falls or falling objects

 [ch 5: page 81] (60 words)

Transparent surfaces and windows

 [ch 5: pages 81-82] (66 words)

Doors and gates

 [ch 5: page 82] (27 words)

Organisation of traffic routes

 [ch 5: page 82] (53 words)

Escalators and moving walkways

 [ch 5: page 82] (31 words)

Sanitary, washing and drinking facilities

 [ch 5: pages 82-83] (405 words)

Clothing and changing
 [ch 5: pages 83-84] (241 words)

Menopause
 [ch 5: page 84] (317 words)

Rest and eating facilities

 [ch 5: page 85] (167 words)

Disabled workers

 [ch 5: page 85] (60 words)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

 [ch 5: pages 85-86] (268 words)

Smoking

 [ch 5: page 86] (140 words)

Premises and enforcement

 [ch 5: page 86] (60 words)

Exemptions

 [ch 5: pages 86-87] (279 words)

Smoking and prisons

 [ch 5: page 87] (170 words)

Smoking in vehicles

 [ch 5: page 87] (140 words)

No Smoking signs

 [ch 5: page 88] (91 words)

Smoking shelters

 [ch 5: page 88] (87 words)

E-cigarettes

 [ch 5: pages 88-89] (332 words)

Driving at work

 [ch 5: page 89] (301 words)

Mobile phones and driving

 [ch 5: pages 89-90] (398 words)

Drug-driving limits

 [ch 5: pages 90-91] (804 words)

Driving standards for vision, diabetes and epilepsy

 [ch 5: pages 92-93] (286 words)

Legislation covering particular industries

 [ch 5: page 93] (114 words)

Construction

 [ch 5: pages 93-95] (382 words)

Mines

 [ch 5: page 95] (106 words)

Offshore

 [ch 5: page 95] (397 words)

Chapter 6

6. Hazardous substances

 [ch 6: page 97] (136 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Control of substances hazardous to health

 [ch 6: pages 97-100] (1,164 words)

Carcinogens and mutagens

 [ch 6: page 100] (203 words)

EU action on carcinogens
 [ch 6: pages 100-101] (240 words)

Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions (DEEEs)
 [ch 6: pages 101-102] (728 words)

Asthma

 [ch 6: page 103] (172 words)

Dust

 [ch 6: pages 103-104] (263 words)

Legionnaires’ disease

 [ch 6: page 104] (296 words)

Needlestick or sharps injuries

 [ch 6: pages 104-105] (167 words)

Dermatitis and other skin conditions

 [ch 6: pages 105-106] (481 words)

Latex allergy

 [ch 6: page 106] (146 words)

Toxic cabin air
 [ch 6: pages 106-107] (223 words)

Chemicals information and packaging

 [ch 6: page 107] (246 words)

European chemicals strategy (REACH)
 [ch 6: pages 107-108] (415 words)

Safety data sheets

 [ch 6: pages 108-109] (217 words)

Major accident hazards

 [ch 6: pages 109-110] (503 words)

Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres
 [ch 6: page 110-112] (538 words)

Asbestos

 [ch 6: page 112] (218 words)

Controlling risks from asbestos

 [ch 6: pages 112-113] (205 words)

The duty to manage asbestos

 [ch 6: pages 113-114] (344 words)

Compensation for asbestos-related diseases

 [ch 6: page 114] (391 words)

Pleural plaques

 [ch 6: page 115] (154 words)

Call for an asbestos eradication law

 [ch 6: page 115] (143 words)

Lead

 [ch 6: pages 115-117] (686 words)

Transport of dangerous goods

 [ch 6: page 117] (129 words)

Genetically modified organisms

 [ch 6: pages 117-118] (353 words)

Pesticides

 [ch 6: page 118] (84 words)

Glyphosate
 [ch 6: pages 118-119] (207 words)

Changes to hazardous substances regulations?
 [ch 6: pages 119-120] (295 words)

Chapter 7

7. Equipment and clothing at work

 [ch 7: page 121] (98 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Display screen equipment

 [ch 7: pages 121-123] (772 words)

Breaks for DSE users

 [ch 7: page 123] (260 words)

Rest breaks and monotonous work

 [ch 7: page 123-124] (96 words)

Machinery and other equipment

 [ch 7: pages 124-125] (801 words)

Work Equipment ACOPs

 [ch 7: pages 125-126] (248 words)

Lifting operations and equipment
 [ch 7: page 126] (182 words)

Work at height

 [ch 7: page 127] (386 words)

Personal protective equipment

 [ch 7: pages 128-129] (811 words)

Agency workers and PPE

 [ch 7: page 129] (31 words)

Peripatetic workers and PPE — GMB legal victory
 [ch 7: page 130] (156 words)

TUC footwear guidance

 [ch 7: page 130] (56 words)

Changes to head protection rules — turbans

 [ch 7: page 130] (79 words)

CE marking
 [ch 7: page 130] (78 words)

Women’s PPE often not fit for purpose
 [ch 7: page 131] (376 words)

Discriminatory dress codes
 [ch 7: pages 132-133] (557 words)

Chapter 8

8. Physical hazards at work

 [ch 8: page 134] (172 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Manual handling

 [ch 8: page 134] (175 words)

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations

 [ch 8: pages 135-136] (666 words)

Consultation with safety reps
 [ch 8: pages 136-137] (164 words)

Manual handling tools

 [ch 8: pages 137-138] (752 words)

Protection under the Equality Act 2010

 [ch 8: pages 138-139] (365 words)

Fire
 [ch 8: pages 139-140] (549 words)

General fire precautions

 [ch 8: pages 140-141] (172 words)

Risk assessment

 [ch 8: page 141] (78 words)

Preventive and protection measures

 [ch 8: pages 141-142] (394 words)

Information and training

 [ch 8: page 142] (137 words)

Enforcement

 [ch 8: pages 142-143] (208 words)

Noise
 [ch 8: page 143] (145 words)

Noise levels

 [ch 8: pages 143-144] (351 words)

Risk assessment

 [ch 8: pages 144-145] (280 words)

Controlling noise

 [ch 8: page 145] (226 words)

Hearing protection

 [ch 8: pages 145-146] (274 words)

Information and training

 [ch 8: pages 146-147] (193 words)

Compensation for hearing loss

 [ch 8: page 147] (107 words)

Acoustic shock
 [ch 8: pages 147-148] (556 words)

Voice damage

 [ch 8: page 148] (100 words)

Vibration

 [ch 8: pages 148-149] (330 words)

Radiation

 [ch 8: pages 149-153] (1,601 words)

Electromagnetic fields

 [ch 8: pages 153-156] (992 words)

Optical radiation

 [ch 8: pages 156-157] (402 words)

Electricity

 [ch 8: pages 157-158] (417 words)

Portable appliance testing
 [ch 8: page 158] (111 words)

Gas

 [ch 8: pages 158-159] (336 words)

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)

 [ch 8: page 159] (193 words)

Confined spaces

 [ch 8: page 159] (94 words)

Pressure systems

 [ch 8: page 160] (92 words)

Work in compressed air 
 [ch 8: page 160] (103 words)

Chapter 9

9. Hours of work

 [ch 9: page 161] (285 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
 
 ...
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The Working Time Directive

 [ch 9: pages 161-162] (121 words)

What is working time?

 [ch 9: pages 162-163] (486 words)

Time spent on-call

 [ch 9: pages 163-164] (515 words)

Unmeasured time

 [ch 9: page 164] (61 words)

Who is covered by WTR?
 [ch 9: page 164] (220 words)

Mobile workers

 [ch 9: pages 164-165] (305 words)

Drivers’ working hours

 [ch 9: pages 165-166] (227 words)

Exclusions from the WTR

 [ch 9: pages 166-167] (640 words)

Collective action on working time
 [ch 9: page 167] (103 words)

Children

 [ch 9: pages 167-168] (187 words)

The maximum working week

 [ch 9: page 168] (101 words)

The UK’s 48-hour opt-out

 [ch 9: page 168] (286 words)

Work Your Proper Hours Day

 [ch 9: pages 168-169] (124 words)

A claim of work-related stress

 [ch 9: page 169] (338 words)

Young workers

 [ch 9: pages 169-170] (105 words)

Night and shift work

 [ch 9: page 170] (801 words)

Night worker health assessments

 [ch 9: pages 171-172] (179 words)

Daily rest

 [ch 9: page 172] (38 words)

Weekly rest

 [ch 9: page 172] (74 words)

Rest breaks

 [ch 9: pages 172-173] (315 words)

Compensatory rest

 [ch 9: page 173] (371 words)

Holidays

 [ch 9: pages 173-174] (280 words)

Holiday entitlement

 [ch 9: page 174] (129 words)

Payment for holidays

 [ch 9: pages 174-177] (1,413 words)

Bank holidays

 [ch 9: page 177] (50 words)

Timing of holidays

 [ch 9: pages 177-178] (239 words)

Offshore oil workers

 [ch 9: page 178] (175 words)

Carrying unused leave forward 

 [ch 9: page 178] (127 words)

Pay in lieu of annual leave

 [ch 9: page 178] (73 words)

Sick leave and holiday

 [ch 9: pages 179-180] (839 words)

Agency workers’ enhanced rights

 [ch 9: page 180] (103 words)

Part-time workers
 [ch 9: pages 180-181] (127 words)

Collective and workforce agreements

 [ch 9: page 181] (56 words)

Enforcement

 [ch 9: page 181] (113 words)

Protection against detrimental treatment

 [ch 9: page 181] (179 words)

Compensation for injury to feelings
 [ch 9: page 182] (268 words)

Chapter 10

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

 [ch 10: page 183] (139 words)

Key changes and developments since last year

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Recording and reporting accidents

 [ch 10: page 183] (124 words)

What is reportable under RIDDOR?
 [ch 10: pages 183-185] (603 words)

Statistics on death and injury
 [ch 10: pages 185-187] (716 words)

The accident book

 [ch 10: page 187] (172 words)

Accident investigation

 [ch 10: pages 187-188] (197 words)

Protecting health information

 [ch 10: pages 188-189] (423 words)

TUC advice for safety on GDPR 
 [ch 10: pages 189-190] (335 words)

Ban on pre-employment health checks

 [ch 10: page 190] (139 words)

First aid

 [ch 10: pages 190-192] (661 words)

First aid training

 [ch 10: page 192] (141 words)

Guidance on the First Aid Regulations
 [ch 10: pages 192-193] (167 words)

Occupational health

 [ch 10: page 193] (100 words)

Fit for Work

 [ch 10: pages 193-194] (347 words)

Fit notes

 [ch 10: pages 194-195] (649 words)

Returning to work after long-term absence

 [ch 10: pages 195-196] (166 words)

Chapter 11

11. Stress, bullying, harassment and violence

 [ch 11: page 197] (184 words)

Key changes and developments since last year
 ...
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General duties

 [ch 11: page 197] (126 words)

Stress
 [ch 11: pages 197-198] (204 words)

TUC/HSE guidance on tackling stress
 [ch 11: pages 198-199] (489 words)

Seeking redress for work-related stress

 [ch 11: pages 199-200] (619 words)

Providing a counselling service

 [ch 11: pages 200-201] (72 words)

Exceeding the 48-hour week

 [ch 11: page 201] (59 words)

Mental health at work and discrimination

 [ch 11: page 201] (263 words)

Bullying and harassment

 [ch 11: page 201] (63 words)

Common law protection 

 [ch 11: page 202] (65 words)

Protection under the Equality Act 2010

 [ch 11: page 202] (56 words)

Harassment by third parties

 [ch 11: page 202] (269 words)

Constructive dismissal

 [ch 11: pages 202-203] (260 words)

Protection from Harassment Act 1997

 [ch 11: page 203] (225 words)

Violence

 [ch 11: pages 203-205] (780 words)

Emergency workers

 [ch 11: pages 205-206] (299 words)

Employer criminal liability

 [ch 11: pages 206-208] (1,048 words)

Cuts to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
 [ch 11: page 208] (193 words)

Dangerous dogs legislation

 [ch 11: pages 208-209] (295 words)

Further information

Further information

 [pages 210-211] (397 words)

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