Workplace_(Health,_Safety_and_Welfare)_Regulations_1992
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
United Kingdom legislation
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, a United Kingdom statutory instrument, stipulate general requirements on accommodation standards for nearly all workplaces. The regulations implemented European Union directive 89/654/EEC on minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace and repealed and superseded much of the Factories Act 1961 and Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963.[2]
Since 31 December 1995, all new and existing workplaces have had to comply with these regulations.[3]
Breach of the regulations by an employer, controller of work premises or occupier of a factory is a crime, punishable on summary conviction or on indictment with an unlimited fine.[4] Either an individual or a corporation can be punished[5] and sentencing practice is published by the Sentencing Guidelines Council.[6] Enforcement is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or in some cases, local authorities.[7]
The HSE publishes a code of practice on implementing the regulations. Though a breach of the code creates neither civil nor criminal liability in itself, it could be evidential as to either.[8] The regulations do not provide any rights of action for members of the public.[9]