& 
The employer carries the main legal responsibility for health and safety at work. But the law also gives duties to directors, managers and every employee, so in practice everyone has a part to play.
The employer
Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 says employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees. That covers safe equipment, safe systems of work, information, training and supervision, and a safe workplace. Section 3 extends the duty to people who are not employees, such as visitors, contractors and the public.
Directors and senior managers
Directors cannot hand the responsibility away. Under section 37 of the Act, a director or senior manager can be personally prosecuted if an offence by the company happened with their consent or connivance, or because of their neglect. Their job is to set the direction, release the resources and check that what they asked for is actually happening.
Managers and supervisors
Managers act for the employer day to day. They make sure risk assessments are done and followed, people are trained and supervised, and problems are dealt with. If a manager knows something is unsafe and does nothing, that is a failure of the employer’s duty, and it can also be the manager’s own failure.
Employees
Section 7 of the Act says employees must take reasonable care of themselves and others affected by their work, and cooperate with their employer. Regulation 14 of the Management Regulations adds that they must use equipment as trained and report serious dangers. Section 8 says nobody may interfere with or misuse anything provided for safety.
Responsibilities at a glance
| Who | What the law asks |
|---|---|
| Employer | Overall legal duty: safe place, safe systems, training, supervision. |
| Directors | Set direction and resources; can be personally liable. |
| Managers | Put it into practice in their area and act on problems. |
| Competent person | Advises and helps the employer comply (Management Regulations, regulation 7). |
| Employees | Take reasonable care, cooperate, use equipment properly, report dangers. |
What about the self-employed and contractors?
Self-employed people whose work could put others at risk have duties too. Where several employers share a site, they must cooperate and coordinate their arrangements, as set out in our guide to the Management Regulations 1999.
Training for each level
IOSH designed a course for each of these roles. IOSH Leading Safely takes about five hours and is for directors and senior leaders. IOSH Managing Safely runs over three days for managers and supervisors. IOSH Working Safely is one day for employees at any level. For a quick start, our Health and Safety for Managers eLearning takes about 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Who is legally responsible for health and safety at work?
The employer has the main legal duty, under section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Can a director be personally prosecuted?
Yes. Under section 37, if a company offence happened with their consent or connivance, or because of their neglect.
Do employees have health and safety duties?
Yes. They must take reasonable care of themselves and others, cooperate with their employer and report dangers.
What training do managers need?
IOSH Managing Safely is the course most employers use for managers and supervisors.
Read the source
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, sections 2, 3, 7, 8 and 37, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, regulations 7 and 14, both published on legislation.gov.uk. Facts checked on 5 October 2026.
Find a date that works
Every course, every centre, with live availability and prices.
On your site or ours, and group rates on request.
