Workplace safety is not optional. Under UK law, managers have clear responsibilities to protect the health and safety of employees and others affected by their work. Whether in construction, manufacturing, offices or healthcare, these duties are legal requirements and practical necessities.

Failing to meet safety responsibilities can result in prosecution, injury, lost productivity and reputational damage. This article outlines seven key workplace safety responsibilities every UK manager should understand and act on.

1. Understand Your Legal Duties Under UK Safety Laws

UK managers must know their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This legislation outlines the core duties of employers, employees and those in managerial roles. The law requires employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees and anyone else who may be affected by the work.

Know the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Managers must be familiar with the basic legal framework. This includes understanding their duty to carry out risk assessments, implement safe systems of work and ensure staff receive information and training. Breaching these responsibilities can lead to enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), including improvement notices, prohibition notices or prosecution.

Stay Up to Date with HSE Guidance

The legal framework is supported by codes of practice, approved guidance and sector-specific advice from HSE. Managers are expected to stay informed about updates relevant to their activities. This might include new regulations on hazardous substances, updates to PPE requirements or changes to accident reporting procedures.

2. Carry Out Suitable and Sufficient Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are a legal requirement and one of the most important tools for preventing harm. Managers must ensure that risks are identified, evaluated and controlled effectively. This involves reviewing work activities, identifying potential hazards and determining who may be harmed and how.

Once risks are assessed, suitable control measures must be implemented. These could include redesigning tasks, providing protective equipment or improving supervision. Risk assessments must be reviewed regularly and updated if there are changes to equipment, personnel or processes.

3. Provide Adequate Training and Supervision

Managers must ensure that staff have the knowledge and support to carry out tasks safely. This includes initial induction, job-specific training and ongoing refresher sessions. Training should reflect the actual risks of the role and the level of responsibility held by each worker.

Ensure Workers Are Competent

Competence means having the right combination of knowledge, skills and experience to perform a task safely. Supporting staff to complete a recognised health & safety certification helps confirm their understanding and strengthens the organisation’s legal compliance.

Tailor Safety Training to Roles

Different roles carry different risks. A generic safety briefing may not be enough for workers handling hazardous substances or operating machinery. Training should be adapted to suit the specific hazards of the job and reviewed to ensure it remains relevant over time. Effective supervision reinforces training and helps identify unsafe practices early.

4. Keep the Workplace Safe and Well-Maintained

It is the manager’s duty to ensure the physical workplace remains safe, clean and fit for use. This includes the condition of floors, equipment, lighting, ventilation, tools and machinery. Faulty or neglected equipment increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Maintain Equipment and Premises

All tools, machinery and safety systems must be kept in good working order. This means following manufacturer guidance for maintenance, carrying out regular inspections and acting promptly on issues raised by workers. Repairs should never be delayed or delegated without clear responsibility.

Regular housekeeping tasks also matter. Blocked walkways, poor lighting or wet floors can easily cause slips and trips. Managers must ensure that workplaces are cleaned, inspected and maintained to an acceptable standard.

Manage Common Physical Hazards

Physical hazards are among the most common causes of injury in UK workplaces. These include slips, trips, falls from height, manual handling injuries and noise exposure. Managers must make sure that each hazard is identified and controlled. For example, this could involve installing barriers, setting up safe routes for vehicles and pedestrians or providing suitable manual handling training.

5. Monitor and Report Incidents and Near Misses

Workplace incidents must be recorded and, where required, reported to the HSE. This includes injuries, dangerous occurrences and occupational diseases. Reporting is not optional — it is a legal requirement under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).

Know When to Report Under RIDDOR

Managers must understand which incidents require formal reporting. These include fatalities, specified injuries such as fractures, injuries resulting in over-seven-day absences and certain dangerous occurrences. Failing to report incidents correctly can lead to legal action and weaken the organisation’s ability to manage safety risks.

Use Near Misses to Prevent Harm

Near misses often signal weaknesses in procedures or equipment. Although they may not cause injury, they provide valuable warning signs. Managers should encourage staff to report all near misses and take them seriously. Investigating near misses helps identify root causes and prevent future accidents.

6. Engage Workers in Health and Safety

Safety cannot be managed in isolation. Workers must be actively involved in identifying risks and improving procedures. One effective way to build engagement is by offering practical training such as the IOSH Approved Managing Safely course, which equips managers and supervisors with essential safety leadership skills.

• Encourage regular safety briefings
• Consult staff on changes to procedures
• Create open channels for reporting safety concerns
• Involve workers in risk assessments and audits
• Support safety representatives and joint safety committees

Building a safety culture requires clear communication, shared responsibility and day-to-day visibility of safety practices. Managers who involve their teams in safety decisions are more likely to see long-term improvements in behaviour and outcomes.

7. Lead by Example with Safe Behaviours

Managers set the tone for safety. When managers cut corners, ignore procedures or allow unsafe behaviour, others follow. On the other hand, managers who follow safety rules, wear required PPE, and take time to talk about risks reinforce the right behaviours across the workplace.

Leading by example also includes how managers respond to issues. If concerns are dismissed or ignored, staff may stop reporting them. Managers must treat all safety concerns with seriousness, even if they seem minor, and follow through with action.

Safety Starts With Strong Leadership

Workplace safety is not just a compliance issue. It depends on the decisions, habits and leadership of those in charge. Managers who understand and act on their responsibilities — from legal compliance and training to hazard control and worker engagement — play a key role in preventing harm.

By focusing on these seven responsibilities and strengthening their knowledge through recognised training and “health & safety certification”, UK managers can build safer, more resilient workplaces where risks are controlled and workers are protected.

Proactive safety leadership not only reduces accidents but also creates a culture where safety is seen as part of everyday working life.