Latest legislation updates - keep safe at work
Below is a list of latest legislation updates to keep you safe at work. If you are new to health and safety, see our guide on Getting Started - as health and safety legislation does not have to be complicated.
Hazardous waste - April 2016
From 1 April 2016, producers of hazardous waste in England no longer needed to notify their premises with the Environment Agency. The new rules mean that organisations that produce or store 500kg or more of hazardous waste per year will not have to register their premises with the Environment Agency. This applies to England only.
Fees for intervention - April 2016
The Health and Safety Executive’s scheme ‘Fees for Intervention’ rises by 4% to £129 per hour. The fee is charged to organisations who have breached safety legislation and are subject to onsite investigations and reports by the HSE. Read more on our previous article 'Fees for Intervention'.
E -Cigarettes - May 2016
- E-cigarettes with a nicotine content of 20mg/ml have to be authorised as medicines.
- Wales have banned e-cigarettes in public places, a move away from the rest of the UK.
- The Children and Families Act 2014 indicates a ban on selling e-cigarettes to under 18s.
- World Health Organisation has recommended a ban on the indoor use of e-cigarettes. Employers should clarify their approach within their smoking policy.
- Currently, inhaling the contents of an e-cigarette is not breaching the No Smoking Law as this refers to tobacco. However, some food establishments may wish to review their policies for hygiene reasons.
Watch this space for legislation changes in April 2018
Personal Protective Equipment Regulations are set for change in April 2018. Why not take a health and safety health check and gap analysis, and see what your report says. Please contact us for more information and guidance in health and safety.
