Updating author: Richard Bretton

On this page:
Summary
Future developments
Practical example
Action point checklist
Key references
Questions and answers
Duty holders
Employers encompassed by health and safety legislation
Employers' duties to employees
Employers' duties to non-employees
Occupiers' duties to visitors and trespassers
Employees' duties

Summary

8.206

• A fundamental principle underpinning the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 is that risk creators are the main duty holders in law. (See 8.208 Duty holders)
• In health and safety law it should be assumed that 'employer' means every employer regardless of its status, size, business activities or resources. (See 8.209 Employers encompassed by health and safety legislation)
• Every employer must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of its employees. (See 8.210 Employers' duties to employees)
• Employers also have a duty of care with regard to the health and safety of non-employees. (See 8.211 Employers' duties to non-employees)
• Occupiers of premises have a duty of care to visitors and trespassers. (See 8.212 Occupiers' duties to visitors and trespassers)
• Employees must care for themselves and others. (See 8.213 Employees' duties)

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Future developments

8.207 There are no future developments.

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Duty holders

8.208 A fundamental principle underpinning the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 is that those who create risks from work activity are responsible for protecting workers and the public from the consequences.