Celebrating the Health and Safety at Work Act: Its Legacy and Lessons for Today – A Focus on Construction
July marks the anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, one of the most significant pieces of legislation ever introduced for workplace safety. It was created because, before 1974, workplace accidents, injuries, and even fatalities were far too common – especially in dangerous industries like construction. There was no single, clear law covering all workplaces, and existing rules were outdated and hard to enforce.
The Act was introduced to bring together all existing health and safety laws under one clear framework. It made it a legal duty for employers to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and the public. It also gave employees responsibility to work safely and co-operate with safety measures.
In construction, this Act paved the way for modern site safety rules, such as proper scaffolding, protective equipment, site inductions, and safe systems of work. It also led to the creation of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which enforces these laws and supports businesses with practical guidance.
Today, the Act continues to influence how risks are managed, how sites are organised, and how workers are trained. It reminds us that everyone has a part to play in creating safe workplaces.
At SAMS, we help businesses stay compliant with the Act through high-quality training and advice. Our courses include:
- Site Safety Supervisor Training Scheme
- Site Manager Safety Training Scheme
- IOSH Managing Safely
- Working at Height
- Manual Handling
- COSHH Awareness
- Fire Safety
- First Aid at Work
- Mental Health Awareness
By investing in training and maintaining a strong safety culture, businesses ensure their workers go home safe every day – just as the Health and Safety at Work Act intended.
Happy Anniversary to the Health and Safety at Work Act – here’s to safer sites for the next 50 years and beyond!