Celebrating 50 years of the Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974

Today, most people take workplace health and safety for granted. However, this focus wasn't always the norm. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA), called a “bold and far-reaching piece of legislation” by John Locke, the Health and Safety Executive’s first Director General, played a pivotal role in transforming workplace safety.

Prior to the HSWA, health and safety laws in the UK began with the Factories Act 1833 during the Industrial Revolution. Despite various laws introduced in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it wasn’t until the HSWA that a comprehensive approach was adopted. This legislation clarified the duties of employers, employees, and others regarding workplace safety, reducing fatal injuries by 90% since 1974.

Now, 50 years later, the HSWA remains relevant, though challenges like hybrid working and technological advancements pose new questions. To celebrate the Act’s anniversary, we will publish articles and recordings exploring its impact and future. We hope this platform is informative and inspires continued improvements in workplace safety for the next 50 years.

Honouring the Legacy: Our Anniversary Activities

In celebration of the Health and Safety at Work Act Etc. 1974, we will be publishing a number of video interviews, webinars and articles with influential health and safety professionals exploring the past, present and future of the HSWA and health and safety management more broadly. We will look more closely at the changes the HSWA has introduced to the ways we work.

We hope you find this platform interesting and learn something from it and we hope you will continue to keep promoting improvements, responding to change and helping make the workplace even safer and healthier over the next 50 years.