The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, often abbreviated HASAWA or HSWA, is the primary UK legislation establishing duties on employers, the self-employed, employees and the wider public to protect health, safety and welfare in work activities. The Act underpins most subsequent UK health and safety regulations including the CDM Regulations 2015, the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and the Work at Height Regulations 2005, all of which are directly relevant to drainage works. Enforcement is by the Health and Safety Executive and local authority environmental health teams depending on the premises. Practical implications for drainage contractors across Greater London include the overarching duty to ensure work is properly planned, supervised and resourced, alongside the specific requirements of secondary regulations. The formal reference is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (c.37) as amended.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Primary UK legislation establishing duties to protect health and safety in work activities.
