The main legislation governing Health and Safety in the UK is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The regulations are wide-ranging and cover maintenance of equipment and facilities, injuries at work, fire safety and control of hazardous substances. Industry specific legislation complements these regulations which can create a minefield for businesses.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the UK’s national regulator for work health and safety and conducts inspections and investigations into businesses in relation to their legal obligations in the workplace.

The HSE conducts checks into risk controls, assesses relevant documents and investigates high-risk industries such as construction sites. In the event of any breaches, such as major hazards or deliberate and persistent failures to comply with standards, the HSE can also issue enforcement action against businesses.

Enforcement proceedings may take the form of serving warnings, varying conditions of licences or, in serious cases, prosecution.

Nicholls & Nicholls offer training on health and safety standards in the workplace and can advise businesses on how to implement best practice processes and procedures in order to ensure compliance with the law.

We are also best placed to advise on allegations of serious health and safety breaches, provide advice and representation at hearings and engage with prosecuting authorities to secure the best outcome for you and your business.

Learn more about interviews under caution