Legislation
This page looks at health and safety law in the United Kingdom (UK) and give information about British Standards.
Health and safety legislation in the UK is made under the power of various
Acts of Parliament. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW) Act is the main Act which allows the Health and Safety Commission to bring in new legislation as appropriate.
Some pieces of legislation are initiated by European Directives which have been agreed by all European Union (EU) Member States.
Health and safety legislation does not apply to the whole of the United Kingdom (UK). Separate arrangements exist for:
Northern Ireland
Isle of Man
Channel Islands
Northern Ireland: only the provisions within part 1 (SS1-54) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSW Act) apply.
Isle of Man: by means of an Application Order parts 1 and 1V of the HSW Act are effective.
Channel Islands: States of Jersey, States of Guernsey are outside the jurisdiction of the UK and the European Union. They make and enforce their own laws but are greatly influenced by those which govern England and Wales.
Scotland: the HSW Act applies but the system of enforcement is different.
- Publications
- UK Regulations
- Freedom of Information (FOI)
- Health and Safety Commmission Consultative Documents
- Other useful sites
