General health and safety duties

Summary

• 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 Duty holders)
• Employers should assume that they are covered by health and safety law. (See 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 Employers' duties to employees)
• Employers also have a duty of care with regard to the health and safety of non-employees. (See Employers' duties to non-employees)
• Employers should consider their duty of care and civil liability risk in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19). (See Employers' health and safety duties and coronavirus (COVID-19))
• Occupiers of premises have a duty of care to visitors and trespassers. (See Occupiers' duties to visitors and trespassers)
• Employees must care for themselves and others. (See Employees' duties)