Created on: 14 Jul 2023
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (as amended) specify minimum standards for most workplaces including schools, colleges and universities.
These Regulations expand on duties on employers under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act.
Workplace means any non-domestic premises or part of premises made available to any person as a place of work. It includes any place within the premises to which a person has access while at work and means of access to or egress from the premises. A modification, conversion or extension is part of a workplace only when completed. A premise means any place, including an outdoor place. The Regulations do not apply to home workers.
Workplaces must be suitable for all who work in them, including disabled workers. This applies especially to regulations dealing with traffic routes; seating and workstations; toilet, washing and changing facilities; rest and meal facilities. All workplaces should be as accessible as possible to disabled people and new buildings or conversions must be designed with this in mind. The requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 further information can be obtained from www.disability.gov.uk.
The MHSWR require all employers to carry out comprehensive risk assessments which will include workplaces and facilities. It is important that all aspects of working environment are taken into account when risk assessments are carried out.
