The Act places statutory duties on employers and self-employed people in relation to the health, safety and welfare of their employees and anyone else affected by their business activities, such as contractors, clients and members of the public. Other duty holders under the Act include employees, people in control of work premises and suppliers of workplace equipment.

In Northern Ireland, health and safety at work is covered by the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978, which creates the same statutory duties.

This factsheet explains what the Act covers, who has duties under the Act and what those duties are. It also provides information about enforcement of the Act, including the penalties for non-compliance.