Ensuring your manufacturing workforce is compliant
Machinery and work equipment: PUWER, Abrasive Wheels
Employers must ensure work equipment is suitable, properly maintained and used by employees who have received adequate information, instruction and training. Training helps reduce risks from machinery, moving parts and abrasive wheels.
Relevant legislation and guidance: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER); Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; HSE guidance on abrasive wheels.
Hazardous substances and explosive atmospheres: COSHH, DSEAR, Spill Kit
Employers must assess and control risks from hazardous substances and, where applicable, dangerous substances that could cause fires or explosions. Staff should understand the hazards they encounter and the procedures for safely handling substances and responding to spills.
Relevant legislation and guidance: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH); Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR); HSE guidance on hazardous substances.
Noise and vibration: Noise Awareness, Hand-Arm Vibration
Employers have a legal duty to assess and control employees' exposure to excessive noise and vibration at work. Appropriate training helps workers recognise the risks, understand control measures and protect themselves from long-term harm.
Relevant legislation and guidance: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005; Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005; HSE guidance on noise and vibration at work.
Manual handling and musculoskeletal injuries: Manual Handling, Risk Assessment
Employers must avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable and assess and reduce the risk of injury where it cannot be avoided. Risk assessments should identify workplace hazards and the measures required to protect employees.
Relevant legislation and guidance: Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992; Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; HSE guidance on manual handling and risk assessment.
Working at height and confined spaces: Ladder, Working at Height, Confined Spaces
Employers must assess and control the risks associated with working at height and confined spaces. Work at height must be properly planned and carried out by competent people, while entry into confined spaces should be avoided where reasonably practicable.
Relevant legislation and guidance: Work at Height Regulations 2005; Confined Spaces Regulations 1997; HSE guidance on ladders, working at height and confined spaces.
HR and workplace responsibilities: Equality & Diversity, Sexual Harassment, Stress Awareness
Employers have responsibilities to provide a safe and fair working environment, prevent unlawful discrimination and harassment, and protect employees’ health and wellbeing. Appropriate policies and training can help staff understand expected workplace behaviour, recognise concerns and know how they should be addressed.
Relevant legislation and guidance: Equality Act 2010; Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023; Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; HSE Management Standards for work-related stress.