How employers can face up to and enforce high standards of health and safety

This paper outlines the high standard to which employers must aspire in order to achieve compliance with their statutory responsibilities under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 and the many detailed Regulations on safety and health at work now in force. These duties are based on European and international standards in occupational safety and health. The paper discusses the implications of the 1989 Act for enforcement strategies within organisations, including disciplinary matters.