The Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 explained

In the construction industry, safety is more than a priority – it’s a legal obligation. The key legislation governing workplace safety in the UK is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Construction sites are naturally hazardous, making it essential to understand legal responsibilities as a main contractor and subcontractor, no matter the role.  

This blog outlines what the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 means for main contractors and subcontractors, their responsibilities, and guidance to make sure you’re working with competent subcontractors and have appropriate health and safety credentials to align with the Health and Safety at Work Act legislation.

 

What is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974?

 

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is a foundational piece of health and safety legislation in Great Britain. Its main purpose is to secure the health, safety, and welfare of people at work. The Act sets out broad, general duties and principles, which are then supported by more specific regulations. For the construction industry, this health and safety legislation is particularly important where complex machinery and materials are used in hazardous environments. It establishes that everyone on site, from the largest main contractor to the individual subcontractor, has a role to play in maintaining a safe environment.

 

Employer and Contractor Responsibilities

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, responsibilities are shared, but the level of duty varies depending on your role. 

Key responsibilities for all businesses

Includes main contractors, subcontractors, and ANY organisation

Employers

• Ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees at work 
• Provide safe systems of work, equipment, and work environment 
• Provide information, training and supervision 
• Maintain a safe workplace and prevent accidents or ill health 
• Comply with relevant health and safety regulations

Employees

• Take reasonable care for their own health and safety 
• Take care of others who may be affect by their actions 
• Cooperate with the employer’s health and safety policies 
• Use equipment and safety measures properly

Main Contractors

• Plan, manage and monitor construction work safely 
• Implement safe systems of work and site rules 
• Coordinate health and safety communication on multi-contractor sites 
• Ensure subcontractors are competent and aware of risks

 

Whilst subcontractors and their employees have to be aware of their actions on site, the main contractor is responsible for the health and safety of those not in their direct employment. Even if an incident occurs (i.e. incorrect use of machinery resulting in serious injury or death, because the subcontractor is not trained to use it), the main contractor is responsible as they have not checked their credentials and compliance in the first place. 

Get better visibility of your supply chain’s compliance – do you know if they align to industry standards or have appropriate health and safety certifications?

Explore our supply chain management solutions

Subcontractors/Suppliers

• Follow the instructions and procedures of the main contractor 
• Comply with safe systems of work 
• Ensure competent staff and equipment 
• Report hazards or unsafe practices to the main contractor

Demonstrate Your Commitment to Health & Safety

Subcontractors/Suppliers

In short, you may want to: 

• Get your compliance and certifications in check!
• Work in Construction? Complete our BSA Assessments

For subcontractors, proving your commitment to health and safety is essential for winning work with main contractors. One of the best ways to do this is by gaining a Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) certification, such as Once For All Health & Safety SSIP (previously Acclaim).

Why choose our SSIP certification?

• Included at no extra cost with all subcontractor compliance memberships! 
• Eliminate the need to complete multiple health and safety questionnaires for different jobs.  
• Provides buyers with confidence in your competence.  
• Offers an efficient way to prove you meet required health and safety standards.  
• Helps you stand out and secure more work. 

Want to showcase you meet the high standards in health and safety?

Get SSIP certified with Once For All today. 

Check your compliance and complete our BSA Assessments

Pre-qualify for construction leads from top UK main contractors and avoid completing duplicate PQQs with our compliance memberships. This shows you have the required certifications and experience to work on-site. 

You can also complete our Building Safety Act Assessments – included at no extra cost for Gold and Platinum members! 

Learn more

Main Contractors

We have solutions and resources to support main contractors with their needs aligning to the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, whether you need to check your supply chain possess the correct credentials, or see if a supplier poses a risk to your upcoming projects:

 

Supply Chain Management	Risk Radar
Keep an eye on your supply chain’s compliance and certifications, including health and safety SSIP	Stay ahead and get notified when a subcontractor is facing a health and safety incident – and avoid reputational damage
Learn more	Learn more

 

Next Steps

• Subcontractors: check your compliance and credentials – are you appealing to work with, to main contractors? 
• Communicate clearly with your team and contractors about responsibilities and standards. 
• Consider obtaining SSIP certification for added credibility and efficiency when bidding for work, and aligning with the CDM Regulations 2015. 
• Utilise our solutions to monitor your supply chain’s compliance (Supply Chain Management) and reduce remain aware of any health and safety incidents (Risk Radar), before they cause disruption. 
• Stay informed about updates to health and safety regulations to maintain ongoing compliance – you may find the HSE’s newsletters helpful

Please note, Facolitiesline, Constructionline and the Once For All Group do not provide legal advice on this matter. Please reach out to a professional for further and legal advice.

 

FAQs

What does HSE stand for?

HSE stands for Health and Safety Executive.