This British Safety Council guide explains some of the key legal duties to provide health and safety information, instruction and training to employees and others such as contractors. It also provides some advice on appropriate ways of delivering health and safety information, instruction and training.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) requires all employers to provide whatever information, instruction, training and supervision is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of their employees.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 build on this by requiring employers to provide their employees with “comprehensible and relevant” information on:
The risks and hazards they may face at work, as identified by the employer’s risk assessment.
The preventive and protective measures that are in place, or will be introduced, to eliminate or reduce the risks.
The steps to take if they encounter risks or hazards, and how to work safely.
The responsibilities of employees to comply with site rules and safe working procedures.
The guide covers in detail areas such as worker involvement, new starters, fire safety, and display screen equipment.
It notes that the provision of effective information and training is essential for employers ensuring workers have the right skills and knowledge to undertake their tasks in a safe and healthy fashion; therefore, protecting themselves and others.
British Safety Council March 2022