Identify the major requirements of health and safety law.

The Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) of 1974 is the act that enforces duties employers have from the perspective of ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of individuals. The groups of individuals the act protects are not only the company’s employees but also clients and the general public. The HASAWA addresses the following points:

• Safe operations, including maintenance of equipment, plant, and systems, are mandatory;
• Staff should have appropriate health and safety training;
• The utilization, storage, and handling of hazardous substances and chemicals should be appropriate and ensure safety;
• Safe access and exists at the workplace should be maintained;
• Employers must have an update written health and safety policies, formed with the reference to the requirements of the HASAWA.

Employers have several significant duties under the HASAWA. First, they should provide employees with a safe working environment, as well as safe equipment and machinery. Moreover, they are obliged to perform a risk assessment and eliminate and control possible risks. One of their duties under the Act is to inform employees about the possible hazards associated with all work processes. For instance, workers should be aware of the use of any chemical substances and be provided with training and supervision. The HASAWA ensures that the job design corresponds to all safety regulations and does not put employees and other individuals at risk.