Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), employers are responsible ensuring that...?

• A. The employees are responsible for their own safety
• B. The environment is safe
• C. The working environment is safe
• D. The building is aesthetically pleasing

Answer: (C)

The main concept being tested is that employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment for their staff under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This means the employer must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees while they are at work. In practical terms, that covers the physical conditions of the workplace, safe premises and equipment, safe systems of work, proper handling and storage of substances, and the provision of information, training and supervision to keep people safe. It’s about making sure the environment where work happens is safe, not about aesthetics or shifting all responsibility onto employees. The duty also extends to others affected by the work, but the focus in this question is on ensuring the working environment is safe.