Duties of Employers Health and Safety

The duties of employers health and safety are fundamental obligations that every UK employer must understand. At EBS Law, I work with business owners and managers every day to ensure these duties are not only met but also embedded into workplace culture. If your business hasn’t reviewed its safety obligations recently, now is the time to take action.

Understanding the Legal Foundations

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers are required to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees “so far as is reasonably practicable”. These duties include providing a safe workplace, carrying out risk assessments, and ensuring that staff are properly trained. Employers can also refer to trusted government resources for clear guidance on compliance (HSE guidance).

Core employer obligations include:

• Carrying out and updating risk assessments regularly
• Providing clear training and supervision
• Maintaining equipment, premises, and welfare facilities
• Creating policies to deal with specific risks such as fire or manual handling
• Reviewing procedures whenever the business changes

Duties of Employers Health and Safety in Practice

Legal duties translate into everyday responsibilities. Employers must ensure staff are protected from obvious risks—such as faulty equipment or unsafe premises—but also from less visible hazards such as stress, long working hours, or poor ergonomics. This is where a proactive approach makes the difference between compliance and exposure to claims.

Consistency across the organisation

Policies and procedures should be applied fairly across all departments. Without consistency, one employee may feel disadvantaged compared to another, which can lead to disputes. A documented framework helps managers act confidently and prevents accusations of bias.

Remote and hybrid working

The rise of remote work has reshaped how employers think about safety. Even when staff work from home, employers still hold responsibility for ensuring their workstation is safe. This may involve offering equipment, providing health and safety guidance, or reviewing working practices through surveys and check-ins.

If you would like free advice, John Bloor and the team are here to help. Call John today on 01625 874400 or email enquiries@ebslaw.co.uk for tailored support.

Managing higher-risk environments

Certain industries face more complex health and safety risks. For example, manufacturing, construction, and logistics require strict rules on machinery use, protective equipment, and fatigue management. Employers also need to consider specific issues such as alcohol misuse or violence in the workplace—both of which can have severe consequences if ignored.

Embedding health and safety into culture

Meeting the duties of employers health and safety isn’t just about having documents in place. It’s about ensuring that staff understand and believe in the policies. Employers can achieve this by offering regular training, rewarding safe behaviour, and encouraging employees to report hazards without fear of reprisal.

Reviewing Health and Safety Policies and Duties of Employers Health and Safety

Compliance is not a one-off task. Policies should be reviewed annually, or whenever significant changes occur—such as introducing new equipment, moving premises, or adopting hybrid work models. Reviews should also consider emerging risks like mental health and wellbeing, which are increasingly recognised as part of workplace safety.

Involving employees in reviews

Engaging staff during reviews ensures the policies remain practical. Employees often highlight hazards managers may not notice. This collaboration also increases buy-in, meaning workers are more likely to follow the rules they helped shape.

Taking Proactive Steps

Employers sometimes feel overwhelmed by the wide scope of their responsibilities. Breaking down the duties of employers health and safety into practical steps can make them manageable. Start with a written risk assessment, follow with clear policies and training, and ensure there is a system to monitor and review performance.

At EBS Law, we assist businesses of all sizes with tailored health and safety policies. Our approach is practical and business-focused, ensuring you meet your legal duties without unnecessary complication.

The benefits are clear: fewer workplace accidents, stronger employee morale, reduced risk of legal claims, and peace of mind that your organisation is both compliant and protected.

Contact John Bloor today for expert support at EBS Law. We’re here to ensure your business stays protected every step of the way. Call 01625 874400 or email enquiries@ebslaw.co.uk.

Further Reading

For related insights from EBS Law, you may find these useful:

• Violence at Work – Employers’ Guidance
• Employment Law UK – An Employer’s Guide (includes health & safety obligations)
• Legal Considerations for Remote Working (covers health & safety duties in home environments)