Health and Safety Legislation
Core Content Area 1
Essential knowledge for design, surveying, and planning professionals in construction
Learning Objectives
1
Roles and responsibilities under current health and safety legislation
Understanding who does what and when in construction projects
2
Enforcement mechanisms and penalties
How regulations are enforced and consequences of non-compliance
3
Required documentation and compliance
Essential paperwork and record-keeping for legal compliance
1.1.1 Health and Safety at Work Act
Purpose of the Act
  • Protects health, safety, and welfare of employees
  • Places duties on employers and employees
  • Covers all workplaces in Great Britain
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide safe working environment
  • Ensure proper training and supervision
  • Maintain equipment safely
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety, responsible for enforcement and guidance.

Penalties: Unlimited fines and up to 2 years imprisonment for serious breaches
1.1.2 COSHH Regulations
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health protects workers from chemical risks
Types of Hazardous Substances
  • Chemicals (acids, solvents)
  • Fumes and gases
  • Dusts (asbestos, silica)
  • Biological agents
Types of Exposure
  • Inhalation through breathing
  • Skin contact and absorption
  • Ingestion (accidental)
  • Injection through cuts
Risk Control Measures
  • Elimination or substitution
  • Engineering controls (ventilation)
  • Administrative controls
  • Personal protective equipment
1.1.3 Work at Height Regulations
Activity Planning
Risk assessment must be completed before any work at height begins. Consider weather conditions and emergency procedures.
Equipment Requirements
Use appropriate equipment: scaffolds, ladders, mobile platforms. Regular inspection and maintenance essential.
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety harnesses, hard hats, and safety boots required. PPE must be properly fitted and regularly checked.
1.1.4 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
CDM Regulations ensure health and safety is considered throughout construction projects
1
Pre-construction Information
Client provides information about site conditions, previous use, and any known hazards to design team
2
Safety Plans Development
Principal contractor develops construction phase plan detailing safety arrangements and procedures
3
Health & Safety File
Comprehensive record including design decisions, residual risks, and maintenance requirements for building users
1.1.5 Workplace Regulations
Health, Safety and Welfare standards for construction sites
Essential Requirements
  • Adequate welfare facilities
  • Clean drinking water provision
  • Proper lighting and ventilation
  • Safe access routes
  • First aid facilities

Temporary structures must meet same safety standards as permanent buildings during construction phase
1.1.6 Manual Handling Operations
Avoidance
First priority: eliminate manual handling where possible through design and planning
Assessment
Evaluate risks considering task, load, environment, and individual capabilities
Mechanical Aids
Use lifting equipment, conveyor systems, or trolleys to reduce manual handling risks
1.1.7 Management of Health and Safety
Regulation 3 requires systematic approach to risk management
Identify Hazards
Systematic identification of potential risks
Assess Risks
Evaluate likelihood and severity of harm
Control Measures
Implement hierarchy of risk controls
Record Findings
Document assessments and control measures
Review Regularly
Monitor effectiveness and update as needed
Key Takeaways
Legal Compliance
Understanding legislation is not optional—it's a professional requirement with serious legal consequences
Shared Responsibility
Health and safety is everyone's responsibility, from clients to contractors to individual workers
Documentation Matters
Proper record-keeping and risk assessments are essential for legal protection and effective safety management
Remember: These regulations work together to create a comprehensive safety framework for construction projects