Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The overarching duty on every employer, self-employed person and duty holder to ensure the health, safety and welfare of workers and anyone affected by the work.
Official guidanceThe legislation
The regulations that apply, whatever you do
Whether you run a construction site, manage rental properties or operate any small business, these are the statutory duties you cannot avoid. Each entry links to the official source on legislation.gov.uk, HSE or gov.uk.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Requires suitable and sufficient risk assessments, competent H&S advice, emergency procedures and information for workers.
Official guidancePUWER — Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
Work equipment must be suitable, maintained, inspected and only used by trained people, with appropriate guards and controls.
Official guidanceLOLER — Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
Lifting equipment must be strong enough, positioned safely, marked and thoroughly examined at statutory intervals.
Official guidanceCOSHH — Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
Assess, prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances; provide monitoring, health surveillance and information.
Official guidanceCDM 2015 — Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
Client, principal designer, principal contractor and contractor duties on every construction project — including notification, F10 and the H&S file.
Official guidanceRegulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Places the fire safety duty on the 'responsible person' — fire risk assessment, general fire precautions and cooperation with other duty holders.
Official guidanceGas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
Annual Landlord Gas Safety Record (CP12), Gas Safe registered engineers only, and the 28-day rule for issuing records to tenants.
Official guidanceElectrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
Five-yearly EICR, 28-day remedial deadline, and £30,000 civil penalty for non-compliance — refreshed under the November 2025 reissued government guidance.
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