What are my employer's duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act?

To provide you with a safe and healthy workplace. This includes:

• A safe system of work.
• A safe place of work.
• Safe equipment, plant and machinery.
• Safe and competent people working alongside you, because employers are also liable for the conduct of their staff and managers.
• Carrying out risk assessments as set out in Regulations, and taking steps to eliminate or control these risks.
• Informing employees fully about all potential hazards associated with any work process, chemical substance or activity, including providing instruction, training and supervision.
• Appointing a 'competent person' responsible for health and safety. Competent persons, such as a head of health and safety, oversee day-to-day safety management, oversee safety inspections, and liase with staff safety reps.
• Consulting with workplace safety representatives. If the union is recognised, your employer must set up and attend a workplace safety committee if two or more safety reps request one.
• Providing adequate facilities for employees' welfare at work.