Insight 23 April 2025

Employees’ responsibilities for health and safety at work

Creating a safe workplace is a shared responsibility between employers and employees. While employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment and meet their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employees also play a vital role.

Understanding and following your responsibilities as an employee not only helps protect yourself and your colleagues but also contributes to a positive safety culture where everyone looks out for one another.

These duties form a legal and moral framework designed to prevent injury, reduce risk and promote well-being at work

Key responsibilities of employees in health and safety

Employees play a vital role in ensuring a safe workplace through key responsibilities that reduce risk and protect everyone on site. These include:

Avoid endangering themselves and others

Under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act, employees must take reasonable care of their own safety and the safety of those who might be affected by their actions.

This means avoiding careless behaviour, following safety signage and instructions, and staying alert to potential risks in the environment. Whether it’s operating machinery correctly or keeping walkways clear, every action contributes to collective safety.

For example, a construction worker leaving tools scattered on a walkway creates a trip hazard for others. Acts as simple as tidying up could prevent a serious injury.

Cooperate with health and safety procedures

Employees are also required to cooperate fully with their employer to ensure all health and safety obligations are met. Cooperation includes following established procedures, attending required safety training, and complying with workplace policies.

By actively participating in training and toolbox talks, employees help ensure that safety standards are understood and consistently applied across the workforce. Refusing to follow a procedure or shortcutting a safety process can expose others to unnecessary risk and, in some cases, may result in disciplinary or legal consequences.

Report hazards and unsafe conditions promptly

Employees have a duty to report hazards, near misses, or unsafe conditions as soon as they are identified. Studies show that near-miss reporting can reduce injury severity by 34%.

Faulty electrical equipment, blocked emergency exits, or leaks that could cause slips and falls are examples of reportable issues. In accordance with company policy, reporting should be made through the proper channels, such as a line manager or health and safety representative.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) encourages open communication, noting that a culture where employees feel safe to speak up is one of the strongest indicators of good safety management.

Respect and properly use safety equipment

All employees must correctly use the protective equipment and safety devices provided for their work. This includes everything from hard hats and gloves to harnesses and ear protection.

Safety equipment only works if used properly. Employees should not remove, modify, or misuse protective devices or guards, as this can increase the likelihood of injury. If an item is defective or missing, it should be reported immediately so it can be repaired or replaced.

Employers are responsible for providing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) free of charge, but employees are responsible for wearing it and taking reasonable care of it.

Follow safe systems of work

Every task, from manual handling to operating vehicles, should be carried out using the safe systems of work established by the employer. These systems are designed based on risk assessments to eliminate or minimise hazards.

Employees should understand and follow all relevant safe work procedures and risk assessment findings. If unsure about a process or control measure, workers should seek clarification before starting a task. Following safe systems of work reduces the likelihood of accidents and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.

Related reading: Why manage health and safety at work?

Use the SLAM approach

The SLAM method — Stop, Look, Assess, and Manage — is a proactive approach that encourages employees to consider risks before beginning any task. By taking a moment to evaluate their surroundings, employees can make safer choices about how to proceed.

Stop: Take a moment before starting to ensure you understand the job.
Look: Identify any potential hazards in your surroundings.
Assess: Evaluate how serious those hazards could be and how to control them.
Manage: Put control measures in place and proceed safely.

Using SLAM as part of daily routines encourages continuous risk awareness and empowers employees to make safer decisions.

Communicate health or safety concerns

Open communication is essential to maintaining a safe workplace. Employees should feel confident in raising concerns about unsafe conditions, fatigue, or health issues that may impact their ability to work safely.

For example, reporting feeling unwell or overly tired before operating machinery could prevent a serious accident. Employers are expected to support these disclosures without discrimination and take steps to address the underlying risks.

Take part in regular training and refreshers

Ongoing health and safety training is essential for keeping knowledge current. Employees should participate in all required sessions and refreshers to stay informed about changes in procedures, equipment, or legislation.

Training may include emergency procedures, first aid awareness, manual handling, or COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health). Attending and applying this training shows an employee’s commitment to maintaining safety and compliance in the workplace.

Support a culture of safety and accountability

An effective safety culture depends on shared accountability. Employees who lead by example by following rules, raising concerns, and supporting colleagues help create a responsible workforce.

The HSE has repeatedly emphasised that positive safety cultures are built on openness, trust, and consistent behaviour from everyone. When employees embrace their responsibilities, safety becomes part of the organisation’s DNA rather than an afterthought.

Understand the consequences of non-compliance

Failing to meet health and safety duties can have serious consequences. Negligence or recklessness may lead to disciplinary action, legal penalties, or even prosecution if an employee’s actions cause harm.

Beyond legal implications, ignoring safety protocols can result in injuries, lost working time, and damage to team morale. Upholding safety responsibilities protects not just individuals, but the entire organisation.

Increased risk of injury

Failure to uphold health and safety duties can lead to accidents, injuries, or health issues that disrupt an employee’s ability to work and impact their overall quality of life. In 2023/24, the Labour Force Survey reported that 604,000 workers sustained non-fatal injuries at work, highlighting the substantial risks associated with disregarding safety responsibilities.

Legal ramifications

Under UK law, employees who knowingly ignore safety policies can face serious consequences, including disciplinary actions, fines, or, in some cases, prosecution. Violations have led to substantial fines and even prison sentences in the most severe instances.

Impact on company reputation

Ignoring safety protocols can seriously damage a company’s reputation. Incidents from non-compliance can attract legal scrutiny and negative media attention, undermining trust with clients and stakeholders. Over time, this loss of credibility can harm client relationships and impact the organisation’s overall success.

Building a safer workplace together

Workplace safety is most effective when employers and employees work together. Employers are responsible for providing a safe environment, conducting risk assessments, and supplying PPE, but employees bring safety to life through their actions and cooperation.

Building a safer workplace is a shared responsibility, and Veriforce CHAS provides support for both clients and contractors. Clients can rely on us to verify that contractors consistently meet robust health and safety standards, reducing risk and ensuring compliance across every project.

For contractors, Veriforce CHAS membership demonstrates their commitment to safety, meeting client expectations, and fostering safer working environments on every site. By bridging the gap between clients and contractors, we can help embed a culture of accountability and proactive risk management throughout the workplace.

Employees’ health and safety duties FAQs

What should I do if I notice a potential safety hazard at work?

Report it immediately to your supervisor, manager, or health and safety representative. Prompt reporting prevents minor issues from becoming serious incidents.

Can I be disciplined for not following health and safety procedures?

Yes. Ignoring established safety rules or refusing to wear PPE can lead to disciplinary action and, in severe cases, legal consequences.

Am I required to wear PPE if my employer provides it?

Yes. When identified by a risk assessment, PPE is a legal requirement. It must be worn and maintained correctly to offer effective protection.

What rights do I have as an employee regarding workplace safety?

Under UK law, employees have essential rights to ensure their safety at work. These include the right to:

Work in an environment where health and safety risks are properly managed.
Stop work and leave the area if you have reasonable safety concerns without facing penalties.
Report any health and safety concerns directly to your employer.
Receive health and safety training relevant to your job role.
Access necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at no cost.

How can I report a health and safety concern if my employer does not take action?

If you feel your employer isn’t adequately addressing a safety issue, you can contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or a relevant local authority for assistance. Whistleblowing protections exist to ensure that employees can report concerns without fear of reprisal.

Can employees be held legally responsible for health and safety violations?

While employers hold the primary duty of care, employees can be prosecuted if they act negligently or recklessly, particularly if their actions cause harm. In extreme cases, such as intentionally misusing equipment, employees may be prosecuted and face fines or imprisonment.