The revision of our dated health and safety legislation has resulted in some new UK laws, in the form of Regulations. The first was "The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations". The regulations place duties on employer, employees and the self-employed.

• To assess risks to the health and safety of their employees and others who may be affected by their work.
• A special risk assessment for young persons (under 18) must be made before they start work taking into account the possible lack of awareness, inexperience and immaturity of young persons and provide information to parents of school age children about the risks involved and controls in place (The Health and Safety Young Persons Regulations 1997).
• Employers are required to take into particular account risks to new and expectant mothers when assessing risks in their work activity.
• Employers of five or more employees have to record the significant findings of that risk assessment (in addition to providing a Safety Policy).
• To make provision for organising, controlling, monitoring and reviewing all control measures the risk assessment identifies. Again, where there are 5 or more employees a record should be kept.
• To provide employees with information/instructions and provide training.
• To set up emergency procedures e.g. to deal with fire, or bomb threat.
• Co-operate with other employers on health and safety, if premises shared.
• To appoint a competent person to assist them in carrying out their duties. The main responsibilities of the employee are:
• To use equipment and substances in accordance with the training and instruction they have received.
• Report to their employers any dangerous situations.
• To co-operate with their employer on health and safety measures.

• To assess risks to health and safety as in the case of an employer.
• To implement measures to provide a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and others who may be affected by their work.