Children and young people

The employment of children is generally subject to limitations regarding the number of hours that they can work. Children also have a number of special rights and protections in the workplace, justified on health and safety grounds. It is importan...


Competence

The Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of the relevant aspects of competent is: • suitable, appropriate; • sufficient or adequate in amount, or degree; • legally authorised or qualified, able to take cognisance (of a witn...


Confined spaces

Entry into confined spaces can be extremely hazardous. In the UK an average of 15 people die each year as a result of lack of oxygen, poisonous gases, fumes or vapours, fire, explosions and excessive heat. In the UK the Confined Spaces Regulation...


Construction

Construction is a high risk industry.  Although it accounts for only about 5% of employees in Britain it accounted for 31% of fatal injuries to employees and 10% of reported major/specified injuries. The main causes of death and major injury...


Contractors

Work undertaken by a contractor is usually covered by a separate contract for services. It is good practice for provisions concerning health and safety arrangements and responsibilities to be included within the contract. However, duties under hea...


Corporate manslaughter

The passing of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, to introduce a statutory offence of ‘Corporate manslaughter’ (called ‘Corporate Homicide’ in Scotland) followed many years of promises by the UK Gov...