Defining the Responsibilities of Employers and Employees in Health and Safety

Both employers and employees bear essential roles in maintaining a safe and efficient workplace, particularly in moving and handling scenarios. This article explores their key responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Employer's Responsibilities

Employers bear the primary duty of ensuring a safe work environment. Their responsibilities include:

Provision of Equipment and Training

Employers are responsible for providing necessary equipment, maintaining it, and delivering adequate training and supervision. This includes ensuring in-house training on equipment use, which should be conducted by a competent individual.

Safe Access and Exit

Employers must provide safe access and exit to all parts of the building for moving and handling purposes, ensuring adequate space for the use of mobile equipment.

Ensuring Health, Safety, and Welfare

Employers are required to look after the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. This may include facilitating regular breaks for employees performing strenuous tasks, providing sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintaining necessary paperwork and documentation.

Conducting Regular Supervision

Regular one-on-one supervisory sessions should be conducted, enabling employees to raise any concerns.

Employee's Responsibilities

While employers are tasked with ensuring a safe working environment, employees also have their roles and responsibilities, which include:

Adherence to Organisational Policies and Procedures

Employees should adhere to all organisational policies and procedures and guidelines that are set out for them.

Regular Attendance at Training Sessions

Employees must attend training sessions regularly to maintain their skill level and stay updated on best practices.

Professional Conduct and Empathy

Employees must conduct themselves professionally, treating all individuals with empathy during moving and handling procedures. They should also ensure that nobody is mistreated or unfairly treated.

Capacity to Complete Assigned Tasks

Employees should only undertake tasks that they are individually capable of completing safely and efficiently.

In conclusion, safe and efficient moving and handling procedures depend on both the employer and employees fulfilling their respective roles and responsibilities.