Health & Safety Terms

A working principle used in UK major-hazard industries meaning that a risk has been reduced to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable. The term is not a statutory phrase.

Rotating grinding, cutting or finishing discs or wheels used in engineering operations. Abrasive wheel disintegration is a significant hazard; wheels must be used, mounted and dressed by trained, competent persons.

An unplanned event that results in injury, ill health or damage. Reporting rules in each jurisdiction define when an accident is reportable, using their own trigger criteria.

A systematic process for determining the causes of a workplace accident or incident in order to prevent recurrence. Employers are required to investigate accidents and their findings must be recorded.

A person designated by an employer to take charge when someone is injured or falls ill, including calling the emergency services. An appointed person is not a trained first aider but must be available when a first aider is absent.

A document approved by a national authority that gives practical guidance on how to comply with health and safety law. Failure to follow one is not an offence, but a court can use that failure as evidence of a breach of the underlying duty.

The regulatory framework requiring employers to manage and control exposure to asbestos fibres at work. Asbestos remains the single largest cause of work-related deaths in GB and Ireland. Each jurisdiction bans the use of asbestos and controls disturbance of existing asbestos-containing materials.

An authorisation issued by the Health and Safety Executive to a contractor, allowing them to carry out licensable work with asbestos, such as removing sprayed coatings, lagging or AIB containing more than one per cent asbestos.

An inspection of a building or structure to identify the location, condition and type of any asbestos-containing materials present. In GB, two types are defined: a management survey and a refurbishment or demolition survey.

A substance that displaces or reduces the availability of oxygen in the breathing zone, leading to oxygen deficiency and potentially unconsciousness or death. Simple asphyxiants have no direct toxic effect but reduce oxygen concentration; chemical asphyxiants interfere with oxygen use by body tissues.

Any micro-organism, cell culture, or human endoparasite, including any that have been genetically modified, which may cause infection, allergy, toxicity or other hazard to human health. Classified into four groups by infectivity and risk.

The measurement of a substance or its metabolite in biological samples (blood, urine, exhaled air) to assess a worker's actual internal exposure to a hazardous substance. Used alongside air monitoring to verify control effectiveness.

A person or organisation with specific legal responsibilities under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. GB and Irish construction regulations name different roles.

The GB regulatory regime for controlling exposure to substances hazardous to health at work. COSHH requires employers to assess exposure, apply a hierarchy of controls and monitor health where needed.

A risk assessment specific to hazardous substances in GB workplaces, required under COSHH 2002 before work begins that may expose employees to hazardous substances. The assessment must identify the substances, evaluate the risks, and determine appropriate controls.

A substance, mixture or process that causes or is capable of causing cancer. Each framework classifies carcinogens and imposes specific control duties. The classification categories differ between GHS-based systems in the UK/Ireland and the OSHA HazCom appendices.

The duty on employers to assess and control exposure to chemical agents in the workplace, as required by Irish regulations implementing the EU Chemical Agents Directive.

The formal notice issued by OSHA following an inspection, alleging a violation of the OSH Act or a standard, specifying a proposed penalty and abatement date. Citation classes include serious, other-than-serious, willful and repeat.

A structured process to verify that an individual has the knowledge, skills, experience and other qualities needed to carry out a specified task safely without undue risk to themselves or others. Employers must ensure that work is only carried out by competent persons.

The requirement on employers to appoint one or more competent persons to assist in undertaking the measures needed to comply with health and safety law. The appointed person may be internal or external.

A person with sufficient training, experience, knowledge and other qualities to undertake a specific task safely or to advise on safety matters. The required qualities differ by instrument and jurisdiction.

An enclosed or partly enclosed space with limited access in which there is a risk of specified hazards such as harmful gases, lack of oxygen or flooding. Each jurisdiction defines confined space and its most hazardous category differently.

A written authorisation document required before entry into a confined space, confirming that specified precautions have been taken, named persons are authorised to enter, and emergency arrangements are in place.

A document that sets out the specific health and safety arrangements for a construction project, prepared before construction work begins and updated throughout the project as necessary.

The statutory obligation on employers to consult employees or their representatives on health and safety matters in good time, giving them the opportunity to express their views before a decision is made.

The processes by which a client employer manages the health and safety of contractors and subcontractors working on their premises, including competence checking, induction, supervision and handover arrangements.

A mineral dust hazard arising from stone, rock, sand, gravel and clay products. Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, lung cancer, and other lung diseases. Strict exposure controls and monitoring are required.

A structured assessment of the workstation used with display screen equipment, examining the screen, keyboard, input device, desk, chair, lighting, and the work organisation. Required for users who habitually use DSE as a significant part of their normal work.

The GB regulatory regime for controlling risks from dangerous substances that could cause fire, explosion or similar energy-releasing events. DSEAR requires risk assessment and applies a hierarchy of controls.

A specified event that must be reported to the relevant authority even if no injury results. The lists of dangerous occurrences are defined separately in each jurisdiction and are not identical.

The process of knocking down, dismantling or removing a structure or parts of it. Requires specific planning, competent supervision and control of hazards including falls, collapse, dust and hazardous materials.

The duty on any person who designs a structure in the course of a business to consider the health and safety of those who will construct, maintain, use and eventually demolish it, and to eliminate or reduce foreseeable risks through design choices.

The statutory obligation on those who design, manufacture, import or supply articles and substances for use at work to ensure that they are safe and without risk to health when properly used.

The statutory obligation on employers and self-employed persons to conduct their undertakings in such a way that persons not in their employment who may be affected are not exposed to risks to their health or safety.

An ongoing, real-time appraisal of risk carried out during a task or incident as conditions change, used especially by emergency service personnel and in rapidly changing work environments.

Physical barriers installed at or near the edge of a working platform, roof or other elevated area to prevent persons from falling. Includes guard rails, toe boards and intermediate rails.

The GB regulatory regime requiring that all electrical systems are constructed, maintained, and used so as to prevent danger, and that work on electrical equipment is done safely by competent persons.

Non-ionising electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range from 0 Hz to 300 GHz. Occupational exposure is regulated by action values and limit values that differ between GB and Ireland (EU). OSHA has no equivalent specific standard.

Written plans specifying the actions to be taken in an emergency, including evacuation, notification of emergency services, and the arrangements for employees with special needs. Required by regulation in all three frameworks.

A statutory obligation on employees to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions, and to cooperate with the employer.

The fundamental statutory obligation on an employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees. The specific content of this duty is elaborated in each framework.

Any earthworks operation involving the removal of material from the ground including trenches, shafts, cuttings and bored holes. Excavations must be inspected and supported to prevent collapse.

A mixture of air and one or more flammable substances in the form of gases, vapours, mists or dusts which, after ignition, causes combustion to spread to the entire unburned mixture. Areas with explosive atmosphere risk must be classified into zones.

A cost-recovery mechanism that enables the Health and Safety Executive to charge duty holders for the time spent by HSE inspectors investigating and taking enforcement action where a material breach of health and safety law is found.

The periodic check of portable fire extinguishers to verify they are serviceable, correctly located, accessible and fully charged. Required under fire safety legislation as part of an employers duty to maintain firefighting equipment in working order.

A structured examination of a premises to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk of fire occurring and spreading, and determine the precautions needed to protect occupants. Required by fire safety legislation in GB and Ireland.

The provision of immediate care to an injured or ill person at the workplace, pending professional medical treatment. Each jurisdiction requires employers to provide suitable first aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel, but the thresholds and qualifications differ.

A person who holds a valid qualification in first aid at work, obtained by completing training approved by the relevant authority, enabling them to provide first aid to injured or ill persons at the workplace.

An overarching statutory obligation on employers and others to protect the health, safety and welfare of workers and others. Each framework has its own general duty clause; they are related but not identical.

A hierarchy of eight principles derived from the EU Framework Directive that employers must apply when implementing health and safety measures. Codified in GB in MHSWR 1999 Schedule 1 and in Irish law through the General Application Regulations.

Vibration transmitted into the hands and arms when using vibrating tools or machinery. Prolonged exposure can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and vibration white finger. Each jurisdiction sets exposure action and limit values that differ from each other.

The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, which requires chemical manufacturers, distributors and employers to communicate chemical hazards to workers through labels, safety data sheets and training.

A source of potential harm. Harm may be injury, ill health, or, where the instrument says so, damage to property or the environment.

The process of identifying and categorising areas where explosive or hazardous atmospheres may be present, to determine the type of equipment and protective measures required. Different classification systems are used in different jurisdictions.

Waste from workplace activities that, because of its physical, chemical or biological properties, requires special handling and disposal to protect workers and the environment. Includes used chemicals, clinical waste and waste containing hazardous substances.

A document prepared during a construction project that records information about the structure useful for future maintenance, alteration or demolition work. Prepared under CDM 2015 in GB and equivalent construction regulations in Ireland.

A document that employers must display in the workplace to inform employees of their basic rights and responsibilities under health and safety law. Required in GB and Ireland; the OSHA equivalent is a different posting.

A systematic programme of checks on the health of employees who are exposed to defined workplace hazards, intended to detect work-related ill health at an early stage. Required where there is a link between exposure and an identifiable disease or health effect.

A structured programme of measures required where employees are exposed to noise above an action level, including monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protection, training and record-keeping.

A ranked order of measures for controlling hazards and risks, from most to least effective. Each jurisdiction's regulations endorse the hierarchy but may name the levels differently.

Any work involving open flames, sparks or heat sufficient to ignite flammable materials, such as welding, cutting, grinding and brazing. Hot work must be controlled by a permit system in areas where flammable materials are present.

The Irish form and process for notifying the Health and Safety Authority of a workplace accident, dangerous occurrence or occupational disease.

The Irish reporting trigger under the General Application Regulations 2007 requiring notification of accidents where the injured employee is absent for more than three consecutive days, not counting the day of the accident.

A formal enforcement notice issued by an inspector requiring a duty holder to remedy a contravention of health and safety law within a specified period.

An unplanned event in the workplace that has or could have resulted in injury, ill health or damage. Broader than accident in professional use, encompassing near misses and dangerous occurrences.

Health and safety training given to employees, contractors or visitors before they begin work at a new workplace, covering site-specific hazards, emergency procedures, welfare arrangements and relevant safe working methods. Required as part of each jurisdictions general training duty.

The statutory obligation on employers to provide employees with comprehensible and relevant information about the risks to their health and safety and the preventive measures in place, and to provide adequate training.

Size-selective fractions of airborne particulate matter defined by sampling conventions: inhalable dust captures particles that may be inhaled through the nose and mouth; respirable dust captures the finer fraction that penetrates to the gas exchange region of the lung.

The statutory powers granted to health and safety inspectors to enter workplaces, examine records, take samples, and issue notices. The scope of powers, and the conditions for exercising them, are set by the primary legislation in each framework.

Radiation with sufficient energy to ionise atoms, including alpha, beta, gamma, X-rays and neutrons. Workers exposed to ionising radiation are subject to specific dose limit requirements and monitoring obligations.

Procedures for isolating equipment from its energy sources before maintenance or repair, preventing unexpected energisation or start-up. The UK and Ireland use isolation as the general term; OSHA defines a specific lockout-tagout programme.

A US safety management technique that examines each step of a task to identify potential hazards and determine the best way to perform the task safely.

The GB regulatory regime for lifting operations and lifting equipment, requiring that all lifting equipment is sufficiently strong, safe, and marked, and that lifting operations are planned, supervised, and carried out safely.

The safe use of portable and fixed ladders as a means of access or a temporary place of work. Ladders are only appropriate where the risk assessment shows other equipment is not justified and the duration of use is short.

The regulatory regime controlling exposure to lead and its compounds at work, requiring risk assessment, substitution where possible, exposure controls, air monitoring, biological monitoring, and health surveillance.

A bacterium found naturally in water that can multiply in artificial water systems such as cooling towers, hot water systems and showerheads, causing Legionnaires disease if inhaled as fine water droplets. Employers must manage legionella risk through a written scheme of control.

A document prepared before a lifting operation that identifies the load, specifies the lifting method, equipment and persons involved, and addresses the risks, ensuring that the operation is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent persons.

A system of engineering control that captures airborne contaminants at or near the point of generation, before they can disperse into the general workplace air. LEV is a key control measure in the hierarchy for chemical and dust hazards.

Work carried out by a person who works alone, without close or direct supervision, and who may be at particular risk due to isolation. Employers must assess and control risks to lone workers.

Physical barriers or safeguards on machinery that prevent access to dangerous parts or trap operators. Guarding is the principal engineering control for machinery-related injury prevention.

A systematic process for reviewing and authorising changes to equipment, processes, materials, procedures, or personnel in high-hazard environments before those changes are made, to prevent new hazards being introduced.

The transporting or supporting of a load, including lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving by hand or bodily force. Each jurisdiction requires employers to assess and reduce manual handling risks where injury cannot be avoided.

A document describing how a specific task will be carried out safely, setting out the sequence of work, the hazards involved, the controls to be applied and the resources required.

A self-propelled or vehicle-mounted device with a work platform that can be raised and lowered, used to provide access to work at height. Includes scissor lifts, boom lifts and cherry pickers.

An event that did not result in injury, ill health or damage but had the potential to do so. Commonly treated as a leading indicator for safety management but may lack a statutory definition.

A protected category comprising employees who are pregnant, have given birth within the previous six months, or are breastfeeding. Employers must carry out a specific risk assessment and take protective measures.

Work that takes place during a defined night period. Night workers have specific rights relating to health assessments and limits on working time. The definitions of night period and night worker differ between GB, Ireland and the US.

The exposure levels at which an employer must take specific action to control noise at work. Each jurisdiction sets its own lower and upper exposure action values and peak sound pressure limits; the numbers differ and must not be imported across jurisdictions.

An assessment of the noise exposure of employees to determine whether the exposure action values or limit values are exceeded, and to identify and implement appropriate control measures.

Permanent sensorineural hearing loss caused by prolonged or repeated exposure to high levels of noise at work. A reportable occupational disease in GB and Ireland and a recordable illness under OSHA.

A construction project that must be formally notified to the relevant health and safety authority before construction work begins, due to its scale or duration.

An OSHA citation class for a violation that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

A work-related injury or illness that meets the recording criteria under 29 CFR 1904, requiring the employer to enter the case on the OSHA 300 log.

An OSHA citation class issued when an employer has previously been cited for a substantially similar violation within the preceding five years. Repeat violations carry significantly higher penalties than initial violations.

An OSHA citation class where there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from the alleged violation, and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.

An OSHA citation class for a violation that the employer committed intentionally and knowingly, or with plain indifference to the law. Willful violations carry the highest OSHA penalties.

Asthma caused or made worse by sensitising substances or other agents encountered at work. A reportable occupational disease in GB and Ireland and a recordable illness under OSHA where work-related.

A disease or condition caused or materially contributed to by exposures arising from work. Each framework maintains a list of reportable occupational diseases, and the lists differ.

The maximum concentration of an airborne substance to which workers in Ireland may be exposed, as set under the Chemical Agents Regulations. Values are set separately from GB WELs and OSHA PELs.

The discipline of anticipating, recognising, evaluating and controlling health hazards in the work environment, with the aim of protecting worker health and preventing occupational disease.

A work-related injury that results in the injured employee being incapacitated for more than seven consecutive days (not counting the day of accident) and must be reported to the relevant authority in GB under RIDDOR 2013.

Portable appliance testing — the inspection and electrical testing of portable electrical equipment to verify it is safe to use. Required under PUWER 1998 as part of an employers duty to maintain work equipment in a safe condition. The frequency of testing depends on the type of equipment and its environment.

The GB regulatory regime for work equipment, requiring that equipment provided for use at work is suitable, maintained in a safe condition, inspected, and used only by people who have received adequate information and training.

The maximum concentration of an airborne substance permitted under OSHA standards. Many OSHA PELs were adopted in 1971 and have not been updated, making them more permissive than current WEL and OEL values.

A formal system requiring written authorisation before certain high-risk activities are carried out, ensuring controls are in place and relevant parties are informed. Widely used across all three frameworks, often as guidance or good practice rather than a single statutory duty.

A person who has, to any extent, control of non-domestic premises or the means of access to or from them, and who owes health and safety duties to those using the premises.

Equipment worn or held by a person to protect them from risks to health or safety at work. PPE is the last resort in the hierarchy of controls and must be suitable, maintained and replaced when necessary.

Information about an existing structure, its site, and the surrounding environment that is gathered before the design and construction of a project begins, to inform designers and contractors of existing hazards.

A formal review of a new or modified process facility before start or restart, confirming safety features are in place, procedures are complete, and personnel are trained. Mandatory under OSHA PSM; an equivalent safety management requirement applies under COMAH.

The regulatory requirements for the safe design, installation, operation and maintenance of systems that contain or generate pressurised fluids or gases. Each jurisdiction sets requirements for written examination schemes, operating limits and competent inspection.

The duties of the organisation appointed as principal contractor under CDM 2015 to plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety during the construction phase of a project.

A systematic assessment of the potential hazards associated with an industrial process involving highly hazardous chemicals, used to identify and evaluate risks before they cause accidents. A core element of process safety management.

Documented information about the hazardous chemicals, technology and equipment used in a process, maintained to support process hazard analysis and safe operation. A mandatory element of PSM in the US and the COMAH safety report in GB and Ireland.

A regulatory framework requiring employers who handle highly hazardous chemicals to implement systematic controls to prevent or mitigate catastrophic releases. The US PSM standard and UK/Irish COMAH regime are related but differ in scope, triggers and requirements.

A formal enforcement notice issued by an inspector prohibiting an activity that involves or is likely to involve a risk of serious personal injury, taking immediate or deferred effect.

Criminal proceedings brought by a regulatory authority against an employer, employee or other duty holder for a breach of health and safety law. The legal basis, courts, and penalties differ between GB, Ireland and the US.

An injury, occupational disease or dangerous occurrence that must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013.

A qualifier limiting a duty to risks that a reasonable person would anticipate. The term is used in GB and Irish law to set the boundary of what must be guarded against; OSHA uses recognised hazard as the nearest equivalent.

A legal test for how far a duty holder must go in controlling risk. The test is not identical across frameworks and the cost-benefit weighing differs.

An employee representative elected by fellow workers in a non-unionised GB workplace to represent them on health and safety matters. Distinct from the trade-union-appointed safety representative.

The risk that remains after all reasonably practicable control measures have been applied. Residual risk cannot be eliminated but must be reduced to an acceptable level. The concept is used in risk assessment practice across all three frameworks.

Equipment worn to protect the wearer from inhalation of hazardous atmospheres. RPE is a last resort in the hierarchy of controls and must be suitable, properly maintained, and fitted to the individual wearer.

The person designated in fire safety legislation with overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with fire safety duties in a non-domestic premises. The concept is specific to the GB and Irish fire safety frameworks; OSHA uses employer as the duty holder.

The likelihood that a hazard will cause harm, often combined with the severity of that harm. Not all frameworks include both elements in the same statutory text.

A systematic examination of the hazards present in a workplace and the measures needed to control the risks that arise from them. Required by regulation in GB and Ireland; often implied by individual OSHA standards rather than mandated by one general duty.

The process of disconnecting electrical equipment from all sources of electrical supply and proving that it is dead before work begins. A fundamental electrical safety procedure required by the Electricity at Work Regulations.

The duty on employers to maintain the workplace itself, including means of access and egress, in a safe condition and free from risks to health and safety.

A formal procedure resulting from systematic examination of a task that defines safe methods to ensure that hazards are eliminated or risks minimised. Required by both statute and common law where an employer knows of a hazard.

The maximum load that a piece of lifting or load-bearing equipment is designed to carry safely. Lifting equipment must be clearly marked with its safe working load or working load limit.

A systematic, critical examination of an organisation's health and safety management system, procedures and practices to determine whether they are adequate, properly implemented and effective.

A formal joint body of management and worker representatives established to promote cooperation on health and safety matters. The duty to establish a safety committee, and its functions, differ by jurisdiction.

A document providing information on the properties, hazards and safe handling of a chemical substance or mixture. The 16-section format is common across frameworks but the classification system differs between GB/Ireland and the US.

Active and reactive surveillance of the workplace and the effectiveness of health and safety controls, used to identify hazards, assess risks and check compliance with standards before accidents occur.

A written statement of an employer's general policy on health and safety at work, required in Great Britain for employers with five or more employees under HSWA 1974 section 2(3).

A worker appointed or elected to represent employees on health and safety matters, with statutory rights to inspect workplaces, investigate accidents and consult with management. Appointment routes and rights differ by jurisdiction.

The written document required by Irish law in which an employer sets out how safety, health and welfare is managed at the workplace, based on the section 19 risk assessment.

A temporary structure erected to provide a safe working platform at height. The erection, alteration and dismantling of scaffolds must be carried out by competent persons, and scaffolds must be inspected at defined intervals.

The obligation on self-employed persons to protect their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. The scope of the duty and any exemptions differ between frameworks.

A substance that, on first or repeated exposure, induces a state of hypersensitivity such that subsequent exposure to small amounts causes an allergic reaction. Respiratory and skin sensitisers require specific controls under the chemical control regimes of each framework.

A penetrating wound from a needle, lancet, scalpel, broken glass or other sharp object contaminated with blood or body fluids. Sharps injuries carry risk of bloodborne pathogen infection. Healthcare workers are at highest risk.

A contemporaneous written record of construction activities, significant events, weather conditions, visitors, instructions given and work carried out on a construction site each day. Forms part of the health and safety documentation required on notifiable projects and provides evidence in the event of a dispute or incident.

Accidents caused by loss of grip on a surface (slip), catching a foot on an obstruction (trip), or loss of balance resulting in contact with the same floor level. A leading cause of workplace injury in all three frameworks.

A category of serious injury to a worker that must be reported to the relevant authority under the reporting regulations, regardless of the number of days of absence. The category replaced formerly reportable major injuries in GB under RIDDOR 2013.

A person stationed outside a confined space to monitor the entrant or entrants and to initiate rescue procedures if an emergency arises. Required as a key element of confined space safety.

Structures, plant or equipment built or assembled on site to enable permanent works to be constructed or to support the structure during construction, then removed. Includes falsework, formwork, shoring and cofferdams.

A detailed examination of lifting equipment by a competent person, carried out at specified intervals, to detect defects that could give rise to danger. Required under LOLER in GB and equivalent provisions in Ireland.

Short, focused safety briefings delivered at or near the worksite, typically before a task begins, covering the specific hazards and control measures relevant to that days work. A widely used method for communicating safety information to workers.

Documentation that records the health and safety training received by employees, including the date, content, duration, trainer details and evidence of understanding or competency. Retained to demonstrate compliance with statutory training duties.

An assessment of employee exposure to hand-arm or whole-body vibration to determine whether exposure action or limit values are exceeded and to identify appropriate controls.

Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work, including physical and verbal attacks. Employers must assess and control the risk of work-related violence.

A complex mixture of metal oxides, fluorides and other compounds generated during welding, brazing, cutting and soldering operations. All welding fumes are classified as carcinogenic in GB since 2019 and require LEV or RPE.

The sanitary and welfare provisions that employers must make available to employees at work, including toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, rest areas and changing rooms. Minimum standards are set by regulation in each jurisdiction.

Sanitary and welfare provisions that must be made available on construction sites, including toilets, washing facilities, facilities for rest and eating, and facilities for changing and storing clothing.

Vibration transmitted through the seat or feet of a person operating a vehicle or machine, or standing on a vibrating surface. Prolonged exposure can cause back disorders and other musculoskeletal harm.

Work carried out in a place where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. GB regulations define the term broadly, including at ground level. OSHA fall protection applies different trigger heights by industry and task.

Any physical or mental health condition that is caused or made worse by work. The scope of what constitutes work-related ill health differs between frameworks but all three impose duties to prevent it.

A harmful reaction people have to undue pressure or demands placed on them at work. Employers are required to assess and manage the causes of work-related stress under their general duty to assess and control risks.

A musculoskeletal condition affecting the arms, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders or neck, caused or worsened by work activities involving repetitive or forceful movements, awkward postures or vibration.

The measurement of the concentration of airborne hazardous substances in the workplace to assess worker exposure, verify that control measures are effective, and demonstrate compliance with workplace exposure limits. Required where exposure cannot be adequately assessed by other means.

The maximum airborne concentration of a hazardous substance to which workers in Great Britain may be exposed, averaged over a specified time. Local limit values differ by jurisdiction.

The provision of adequate and appropriate lighting in workplaces to enable work to be done safely and without strain. Emergency lighting must also be provided where artificial lighting fails would expose persons to danger.

The thermal environment of a workplace, encompassing air temperature, humidity, radiant heat and air movement. Each framework sets minimum standards or guidance on temperature to protect worker health and comfort.

Any vehicle or item of mobile plant used in a work setting, including forklift trucks, lorries, site dumpers and pallet trucks. Workplace transport accidents are a major cause of fatal injury at work.

The collection, segregation, storage and disposal of waste generated by workplace activities, including general waste, controlled waste, clinical waste and construction waste. Employers have duties to prevent waste from causing risks to health, safety and the environment.

A formal document specifying the safe operation of a pressure system and the nature and frequency of examination of its components. Required under the GB Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 before a pressure system may be operated.

Persons of an age above the compulsory school-leaving age but under 18. Employers must carry out a specific risk assessment before employing young persons and apply additional protective measures due to their inexperience and physical immaturity.