Page 19 - IGC BOOK

1.3 Who Does What in Organisations

Introduction

In all the management systems, organising is an essential part of the successful management of
health and safety. The significance of this element is to define clear roles and responsibilities for
various parties such as Employers, Employees, Self--‐employed, Controller of premises, Designers
and manufacturers, Joint occupier Premises.

As discussed earlier, employers’ responsibilities are clearly defined in ILO Convention C155, 1981
and Recommendations R164, however the responsibility for health and safety lies with different
people. The details vary between regions so what follows is a general discussion of typical
expectations the law may have for the various people concerned. As you will be aware, the main
duties for ensuring the protection of people at work rest with employers.

The Employer

The primary responsibility of the employer is to manage the business/ organisation in safe and
healthy way. Employer has to take reasonable care towards his employees and others who might
be affected by their business undertakings. The similar responsibility applies to all the employers
irrespective of the size of the organisation.

Employers responsibilities are given in ILO Convention C155, 1981 and Recommendations R164,
and ensures that the employer has overall responsibility towards the health and safety of the
workers and others and to protect from risk, harm and ill health.
Employers’ responsibilities towards employees includes

• Developing policy, setting responsibilities and arrangements to implement the policy.

• Provision of safe workplace, machinery, equipment and substances.

• Providing necessary information, instructions, training considering the workplace
requirements and individual capabilities.

• Provision of adequate supervision of work, work practices and the use of correct
application of health and safety measures.

• Provision of welfare facilities including drinking water, toilet facilities, changing rooms,
eye wash stations, first aid provision etc.,

• Provision of suitable and adequate personal protective equipment without out any cost
the employees.

• Consultation with their workforce or other representatives on all matters related health
and safety.

• Taking precautions to eliminate mental and physical fatigue.

ENSIGN| Unit IG1 – Element 1 – Why We Should Manage Workplace Health and 11
Safety