We celebrate forty years of the Health and Safety at Work Act

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. Described by the HSE’s first director general, John Locke, as a “bold and far-reaching piece of legislation”, the Act created an ambitious and robust regulatory framework for workplace safety and health in Britain.

Based on key recommendations in the 1972 Robens report, the new regime introduced a broad goal-setting, non-prescriptive model, built on the premise that those who create risk are best placed to manage it.

Through consultation and engagement with employers, employees and others with an interest in promoting health and safety, the new system was designed to deliver a proportionate, targeted and risk-based approach. The Act also created two new bodies, the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – since 2008, merged into a single body, the HSE as we know it today.

Corporate Risk Systems can help you meet your Health and Safety at Work Act requirements www.crsrisk.com