Health and safety of specific vulnerable people

Updating author: Howard Fidderman

Brightmine editor: Laura Merrylees

Summary

• The law requires employers to assess the risks to all employees, but additional consideration should be given to certain groups of vulnerable people. (See Overview)
• There are specific duties on employers to protect the health and safety of children and young people. (See Children and Young persons)
• Where the work could involve risk to the health and safety of a new or expectant mother, or their baby, the employer must carry out a separate assessment of that risk. (See New and expectant mothers)
• Employers should assess and address any specific risks to disabled workers. (See Disabled persons)
• Night workers are given additional protection under the working time rules. (See Night workers)
• Most health and safety regulations apply to homeworkers as well as to employees working at an employer's premises. (See Homeworkers)
• An employer must consider a number of factors when deciding if a lone worker can work safely. (See Lone workers)
• Employers must provide temporary workers with specific health and safety-related information. (See Temporary workers)