Legal requirements

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act), employers, people in control of premises, the self-employed and employees must ensure the health and safety of others and themselves so far as is reasonably practicable..

There are also regulations that apply to all industries because many of the hazards will be the same regardless of the industry involved. But some industries do have specific pieces of legislation. In the port industry, these include:

• Duties under the Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations 2016 (DGHAR)
• The Loading and Unloading of Fishing Vessels Regulations 1988.

The Docks Regulations 1988 were in force until 6th April 2014. The old ACOP 'Safety in Docks' (COP25) was withdrawn at the same time and replaced by a new Safety in Docks ACOP (L148)

The HSW Act and associated regulations do not apply to seamen working on board ship under the control of the ship's master. Comparable Merchant Shipping Health & Safety Regulations do apply to ship's crew and are enforced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).