ABSTRACT
Health and safety, and the environment are controlled by a number of Acts of Parliament and subsequent regulations and statutory instruments. These may have regional variations, or specifics relating to the various parts of the vehicle repair trade. These topics are also impacted by other laws, for instance those relating to the countryside. Perhaps the most important aspect of the health and safety laws is that they are vicarious. That is, if you are a manager, or supervisor, of a bodyshop, you may be prosecuted for any injury or death caused by one of the technicians or other staff actions, as well as the staff involved being prosecuted. Breaking health and safety, or environmental laws may result in custodial sentences as well as fines and damages to the injured parties. Meeting the requirements of the health and safety, and environmental laws and regulations is the responsibility of everybody – ignorance of the law is not an excuse, so you need to take care.
