Press Release C058:99 - 23 December 1999
Revised Management Regulations comes into force
Revised regulations which will help employers meet their responsibility to actively manage health and safety for employees come into force on 29 December.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, replaces the 1992 Regulations and will also introduce some changes to health and safety law to clarify the UK's implementation of the European Framework Directive (89/391/EEC).
As well as consolidating earlier amendments, the main changes :
- implement principles of prevention in regulations rather than through an ACoP;
- clarify that employers should use competent employees in preference to external sources for competent advice and assistance on health and safety;
- include a specific requirement to arrange necessary contacts with emergency services regarding first aid, emergency medical care and rescue and designate workers to implement fire fire-fighting procedures;
- make it explicit that it is not a defence for employers to claim that they were unable to meet their obligations because of any act or default by employees or competent persons.
The Health and Safety Commission consulted widely on proposals for these changes, which apply to all employers. Around 6,000 copies of a consultation document were distributed. The changes demonstrate the UK's intent to fully implement the requirements of the Directive. The EC has indicated that the changes satisfy its concerns.
A revised Approved Code of Practice is being prepared to accompany the new regulations and will be published in the next 2-3 months. This document will cover all the changes and will also introduce general guidance material on the regulations.
The 'Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999', SI No. 3242, are available from The Stationery Office.
NOTES TO EDITORS
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 re-enact the provisions of the 1992 regulations which are now revoked. The regulations introduced general provisions for health and safety management to implement the European Framework Directive, such as risk assessment and management; health surveillance; use of competent assistance; provision of information for employees; and training.
- The 1999 Regulations also consolidate amendments made to the 1992 regulations and revoke:the Management of Health and Safety at Work (Amendment) Regulations 1994; the Health and Safety (Young Persons) Regulations 1997; and Part III of the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997.
- Costs to business of changes introduced by these regulations are expected to be small. A regulatory impact assessment was included in HSC's consultation document on the changes.
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