Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

For straightforward guidance on how to comply with the health and safety law, go to The basics for your business.

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in Great Britain. It's sometimes referred to as HSWA, the HSW Act, the 1974 Act or HASAWA.

It sets out the general duties which:

• employers have towards employees and members of the public
• employees have to themselves and to each other
• certain self-employed have towards themselves and others

You can read the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 in full on legislation.gov.uk.

You can find out about health and safety law in our guide Health and safety at work: criminal and civil law.

Related content

• Health and safety law poster
• Health and safety law poster pocket card
• How UK legislation works – legislation.gov.uk
• Enforcement of health and safety law
• Acts enforced by HSE
• Statutory instruments (regulations) enforced by HSE