Health and safety in schools

Health and safety responsibilities in schools derive from the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces health and safety law relating to the activities of LEAs and schools.

Health and safety duties and responsibilities apply to employers of school staff and to employees.

The health and safety of staff, pupils and visitors whilst on the school premises, or involved in school-organised activities (e.g. educational visits), must be protected as far as is reasonably practicable. Risk assessments should be undertaken of all activities, and measures put in place to minimise or control risks.

Head teachers, heads of department, staff, governors and LEAs all have roles to play. This is further explained in Managing Health and Safety in Schools (available at £5.95 from HSE Books).

The DfES has also produced Health and Safety: Responsibilities and Powers (DfES/0803/2001) which sets out basic duties.

School emergency-management plan Health and safety in Schools Responsibilities Risk assessment Insurance School security Educational visits First aid Evacuation procedures Calling emergency services Counselling Media handling Communicating with parents	Health and safety in schools Health and safety responsibilities in schools derive from the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces health and safety law relating to the activities of LEAs and schools. Health and safety duties and responsibilities apply to employers of school staff and to employees. The health and safety of staff, pupils and visitors whilst on the school premises, or involved in school-organised activities (e.g. educational visits), must be protected as far as is reasonably practicable. Risk assessments should be undertaken of all activities, and measures put in place to minimise or control risks. Head teachers, heads of department, staff, governors and LEAs all have roles to play. This is further explained in Managing Health and Safety in Schools (available at £5.95 from HSE Books). The DfES has also produced Health and Safety: Responsibilities and Powers (DfES/0803/2001) which sets out basic duties.	DfES Health and Safety: Responsibilities and Powers
The advice contained on this site should not be taken as an authoritative interpretation of the law. That is a matter for the courts.