3:15 pm

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA). This remains the umbrella legislation underpinning all health, safety and welfare obligations for employers, the self-employed and employees in the UK.

The HSWA was signed into law on 31 July 1974, and at its heart is the principle that those who create risk of injury and ill-health in the workplace must manage that risk, ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’. It is revered around the world as being the model for many other regulators.

In the ever-changing world of work, the HSWA remains relevant and continues in its efforts to protect workers.