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The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, often shortened to HSWA, is the main piece of health and safety law in Great Britain. It sets out broad duties for employers, employees, the self-employed, manufacturers and people in control of premises, and it is the Act under which almost all other health and safety regulations are made.
This guide explains the sections people most often need to know, what they mean in practice, and how the Act is enforced.
The key sections at a glance
| Section | Who it applies to | What it requires |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Employers, towards employees | Ensure health, safety and welfare at work so far as is reasonably practicable, including safe plant and systems of work, safe handling of articles and substances, information, instruction, training and supervision, a safe workplace and adequate welfare. |
| 2(3) | Employers with five or more employees | Prepare a written health and safety policy and bring it to employees’ attention. |
| 2(4) to 2(7) | Employers | Consult safety representatives and set up safety committees where requested. |
| 3 | Employers and the self-employed, towards others | Conduct their undertaking so that people not in their employment, such as contractors, visitors and the public, are not exposed to risks. |
| 4 | People in control of premises | Make sure premises, access, exit and plant provided for others’ use are safe. |
| 6 | Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers | Make sure articles and substances for use at work are safe, tested, and supplied with adequate information. |
| 7 | Employees | Take reasonable care for themselves and others affected by their acts or omissions, and cooperate with their employer. |
| 8 | Everyone | Must not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided for health, safety or welfare. |
| 9 | Employers | Must not charge employees for anything done or provided to meet specific health and safety requirements, such as PPE. |
What does “so far as is reasonably practicable” mean?
Most duties in the Act are qualified by the phrase “so far as is reasonably practicable”. It means weighing the risk against the time, cost and trouble of controlling it. If the risk is significant and the measures needed are not grossly disproportionate to it, they must be taken. Cost alone is not an excuse, and section 40 puts the burden on the defendant to prove that it was not reasonably practicable to do more.
Regulations and Approved Codes of Practice
Section 15 allows regulations to be made under the Act, which is how specific laws such as the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, COSHH, PUWER and CDM 2015 came about. Section 16 allows HSE to approve Codes of Practice, which give practical guidance with special legal status: if you do not follow an ACoP, you must show you complied with the law in some other equally effective way.
Enforcement
The Act gives inspectors wide powers under section 20, including entering premises, taking samples and photographs, and requiring people to answer questions. Inspectors can serve improvement notices under section 21 and prohibition notices under section 22. Our guide to HSE enforcement explains these in detail.
Offences and penalties
- Section 33 lists the offences, including failing to meet duties under sections 2 to 7 and breaching regulations or notices.
- Most offences can be tried in the magistrates’ court or the Crown Court, with unlimited fines and, for some offences, imprisonment.
- Under section 37, directors, managers and company officers can be prosecuted personally where an offence by the company was committed with their consent or connivance, or was attributable to their neglect.
- Under section 7, employees can be prosecuted too.
What the Act means for different people
| If you are | Your main duties |
|---|---|
| A business owner or director | Set the direction, make sure risks are assessed and controlled, provide resources and lead by example. Our guide to who is responsible for health and safety covers this in more depth. |
| A manager or supervisor | Make sure the work you control is planned, risks are managed and people are trained and supervised. |
| An employee | Follow training and safe systems, use equipment properly, report hazards and cooperate. |
| Self-employed | Protect yourself and anyone affected by your work. |
Training that helps
For managers and supervisors in any sector, IOSH Managing Safely explains the Act and how to apply it day to day. For a recognised professional qualification, the NEBOSH National General Certificate covers the Act, the regulations made under it and how they are enforced. Workers new to health and safety can start with IOSH Working Safely or the NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work Award.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main purpose of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974?
To protect the health, safety and welfare of people at work and others affected by work activities, by placing broad duties on employers, employees and others.
What does section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act say?
It requires employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees.
What does section 7 say?
Employees must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others affected by what they do, and cooperate with their employer.
Does the Act apply to the self-employed?
Yes, where their work could put others at risk. Since 2015 self-employed people whose work poses no risk to others are generally exempt.
Who enforces the Act?
HSE enforces it in most workplaces, including construction and factories. Local authorities enforce it in places such as shops, offices and leisure premises.
Read the source
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, sections 2 to 9, 15, 16, 20 to 22, 33, 37 and 40; the Deregulation Act 2015 on the self-employed; and HSE guidance on the Act and on reasonably practicable. Facts checked on 6 October 2026.
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