What are the legal duties on my employer to ensure my health, safety and welfare at work?
All employers have a common law duty of care to their employees. In addition, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 every employer has a duty to ensure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees are protected. They must also conduct a risk assessment to identify the measures necessary to comply with the Act and other Regulations. The matters to which this duty extends include: • plant and systems of work • use, handling, storage and transportation of articles and substances • provision of information, instruction, training and supervision necessary for the health and safety of employees • maintenance of the place of work, including access and exit, in a safe condition • provision and maintenance of a safe working environment with adequate facilities and welfare facilities. All employers with 5 or more employees must have a written health and safety policy, which must be brought to the notice of all employees. The Health and Safety at W