1 Introduction

The law imposes a responsibility on the employer to ensure safety at work for all their employees. Much of the law regarding safety in the work place can be found in the Health & Safety At Work Act 1974. Employers have to take reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees at work.

Failure to do so could result in a criminal prosecution in the Magistrate's Court or a Crown Court. Failure to ensure safe working practises could also lead to an employee suing for personal injury or in some cases the employer being prosecuted for corporate manslaughter.