HSWA 1974 sets the overarching framework for workplace health and safety, placing general duties on employers, employees and the self-employed rather than listing specific technical requirements.
Legal & Compliance Library
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The foundational UK law placing a general duty on employers to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and others affected by their work.
This page is an educational, plain-English summary — it is not legal advice and must not be relied on as a substitute for the legislation itself or advice from a competent person. Always refer to the official source for the authoritative text.
What it covers
HSWA 1974 sets the overarching legal framework for workplace health and safety in Great Britain. It establishes general duties on employers, employees, the self-employed and those who design, manufacture or supply equipment, and gives HSE its enforcement powers.
Who it applies to
Effectively every UK employer and workplace.
How SafetyOps supports compliance
SafetyOps helps organisations maintain the structured records (risk assessments, training, equipment checks) that evidence how these general duties are being managed day to day.