ABSTRACT
The responsibility for the making of health and safety law rests with the U.K. parliament and the European Commission, the former frequently in response to Directives issued by the latter:
It is important to note, however, that although focused on the workplace, the responsibilities of the government bodies that operate under the HSW Act extend to include public safety where it is placed at risk by workplace activity. As well as providing advice and guidance on compliance, the HSE has the power to take enforcement action against individuals and businesses that do not comply with U.K. and European Union (EU) health and safety law. Enforcement action can take the form of statutory notices to improve conditions or prohibit further activity, the imposition of fines, and, ultimately although exceptionally, the imprisonment of those who are found guilty by the courts.
