RESPONSIBILITY

The Health & Safety Executive estimate that 25% of all reported electrical accidents at work, happen as a result of faulty electrical applicances.

The Electricity at Eork Regulations 1989 S.I. 635, are a legal requirement & state that all electrical systems will be maintained where this will prevent danger. It goes on to state that "an electrical system includes anything that can be used to generate, provide, transmit, transform, rectify, convert, conduct, distribute, control, store, measure or use electrical energy."

Regulation 29 states; "it shall be a defence if it can be proven that all reasonable steps were taken and due diligence was exercised to avid such danger."

Each year over 2500 people are injured or killed due to electrical fires. Many insurance companies now insist on applicance testing being carried out to ensure cover against fire and personal injury. Failure to carry out inspections and tests on equipment can lead to prosecution under the Electricity At Work Regulations and void insurance cover.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 puts the duty of care upon both employer and employee to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises. This includes the self employed. It states specifically;

"It shall be the duty of the employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practiable, the health and safety and welfare at work of all his employees."

Section (2a) of the Act reads;

"The provision and maintenance of plant and systems at work that are, so far as reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health."

In other words employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe work environment and safe equipment to ensure peoples safety whilst undertaking their work.