The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
An Act to make provision for securing the health, safety and welfare of persons at work, for protecting others against risks to health or safety in connection with the activities of persons at work, for controlling the keeping and use and preventing the unlawful acquisition, possession and use of dangerous substances, and for controlling certain emissions into the atmosphere.
The Act allows the government to issue regulations, guidance and Approved Codes of Practice for employers. These set out detailed responsibilities for employers in every aspect of workplace health and safety, including ensuring commercial businesses and workplaces meet national standards for air and water hygiene.