Health and safety at work - advice and training
Rochdale Council is committed to improving health and safety at
work. We assist local employers and workers to identify
potential risks at work and increase health and safety
awareness.
New regulations relating to health and safety continue to be
introduced, reinforcing the principles contained in the Health and
Safety at Work etc Act 1974. This Act places great emphasis on
self-regulation of the workplace by employers, the self-employed
and employees and the need for safety consideration to be built
into systems and practices.
The need for safety awareness in the working environment cannot
be over emphasised. Nationally around 400 people are killed in
accidents at work and several hundred thousand are injured. High
proportions of these injuries occur in small businesses, many at
premises that would not normally be considered hazardous. The cost
of accidents in personal terms is immeasurable; the cost to
businesses in staff absences, damage and increased insurance
premiums is immense.