
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA)
What is The HASAWA?
The Health and Safety at Work Act is the primary piece of legislation covering all Occupational Health and Safety in Great Britain. The Act applies to all workers and workplaces.
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Who enforces it?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for enforcing the act, but will also delegate to local Environmental Health Officers (EHO) to carry out inspections or investigations if necessary
Who is responsible for it?
We are all responsible for Health and Safety at work, whether it is regarding ourselves or others within the workplace. Every person at work is responsible for carrying out the legislation.
Section 2 – Duties of Employers
The Employer must ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all employees.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Maintenance of safe systems of work that are safe and ensure no risks
- Ensuring arrangements are in place for the safe use, handling and transport of articles
- Providing employees with information, instruction and training to ensure health and safety at work
- Maintenance and provision of a safe working environment
- Provision of a Health & Safety Policy for the organisation
Section 7 – Duties of Employees
Employees must ensure that they:
- Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others that may be affected by their acts
- Co-operate with the employer and others to enable them to fulfil their legal obligations
Definitions
Legislation – The law, considered collectively (Health and Safety Legislation = HASAWA and all of the regulations that sit beneath it)
Regulation – A rule of directive made and maintained by an authority
Act – A bill which has passed through the various legislative steps required for it and which has become law
Reasonably Practicable – If the cost – in terms of time, effort, money or inconvenience – associated with the risk control outweighs the benefits of the risk reduction, then it is not reasonably practicable to use that risk control
Duty of care – The moral duty towards another person who is working or on the same premises as where you are at work
What your Health and Safety team do for you
Support, Advice and Guidance
The Health and Safety team are here to help, they will provide support, advice and guidance where required.
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Risk Assessment
All workplace risks are identified, and a Risk Assessment carried out. The Health and Safety team support and provide guidance for this, ensuring that risks are controlled as far as is reasonably practicable.
Safe Systems of Work
For any equipment that poses a risk, a Safe System of Work is created. This will show the hazards, any PPE that should be worn, the Safety checks that should be carried out prior to use, and the full process for how the equipment is used and/or cleaned etc.
Audit
The Health & Safety team visit all sites to carry out a variety of audits throughout the year. These are to help identify where the company has fallen short with training or process, and to help rectify this making sure the workplace is as safe as possible for the employees.
These audits are to help the Managers understand and identify issues, and how to rectify them.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
All areas of the business are provided with a COSHH folder. The company only allows approved chemicals, and each will have a Safety Data Sheet and COSHH Risk Assessment carried out by your Health & Safety Team.
Skin checks are routinely carried out to help identify and prevent skin issues that may be caused.
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)
There is a legal obligation to report a variety of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences to the HSE. The Health and Safety department identifies these and reports them to ensure we are compliant.
Accidents/Incidents/Near Misses
Supporting teams with reporting and investigating incidents and accidents, collating of information to report to Senior Management. Hosting panel meetings following serious accidents to identify cause and liability. Identifying risk before the incident occurs, known as a Near Miss, to help decrease the quantity and severity of accidents in the workplace.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Aiding with the provision of Personal Protective Equipment, ensuring that all PPE requirements are identified and delivered to ensure the safety of our employees
Manual Handling Operations
Identification of manual handling in the workplace and the risks, online training and practical training is available for all employees. Observations are carried out during visits to sites with regards to this.
Policies and Procedures
Responsible for writing all policies and procedures with regards to Health and Safety in the workplace and providing the company with both a Food Safety and Health and Safety Management System.
Did you know?
- The James Hall Health and Safety Department was started in 1992
- There were a variety of major dangerous occurrences that led to the creation of HASAWA
- The 3 Cs of Safety at work are:
1) Consultation
2) Communication
3) Collaboration
There is no safety at work without you!
- Before HASAWA, there were various Acts for specific workplaces, but nothing covered all workplaces
50 Years H&S Video
Meet The Team
Jayne Housson
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND SAFETY

Jon Pickup
JH-G COMPANIES H&S MANAGER

Janice Noble
RETAIL FOOD AND H&S MANAGER

Pia Hosker
H&S OFFICER

Darren Smith
H&S OFFICER

Elaine Knox
H&S OFFICER

Lisa Ainsworth
TRAINEE H&S OFFICER

Ann Hares
RETAIL H&S OFFICER

Alex Payne
TRAINEE RETAIL H&S OFFICER

Garry O’Kane
RETAIL H&S OFFICER

Keep Your Brain Active
Exercise isn’t just good for your body, it’s great for your mind too – why not exercise your brain by trying out our Safety related wordsearches – these are printable for all of our employees to enjoy!