Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

17.9.4 Rules and directions – Regulation 5
The person in control of a site 
may
make rules regulat-
ing the wearing of suitable head protection. These must 
be in writing. An employer may give directions requiring 
their employees to wear head protection.
Summary of the main legal requirements
337
17.9 
Construction (Head Pr
otection) Regulations 1989

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17.9.5
Wearing of suitable head protection, 
reporting loss – Regulations 6, 7, 9
Every employee who has been provided with suitable 
head protection shall wear it when required to do so by 
rules made or directions given under Regulation 5 of 
these Regulations. They must make full and proper use 
of it and return it to the accommodation.
Employees must take reasonable care of head 
protection, and report any loss or obvious defect.
Exemption certifi 
cates, issued by the HSE, are 
allowed.
17.9.6 References
Head protection for Sikhs wearing turbans INDG262
Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989 
Guidance on regulations L 102 (rev) 1998 HSE Books. 
ISBN 07176 1478 6
17.10 
Health and Safety (Consultation 
with Employees) Regulations 1996
17.10.1 Application
These Regulations apply to all employers and employ-
ees in Great Britain except:
➤
where employees are covered by safety representa-
tives appointed by recognized trade unions under 
the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees 
Regulations 1977
➤
domestic staff employed in private households
➤
crew of a ship under the direction of the master.
17.10.2
Employers’ duty to consult – 
Regulation 3
The employer must consult relevant employees in good 
time with regard to:
➤
the introduction of any measure which may substan-
tially affect their health and safety
➤
the employer’s arrangements for appointing or nom-
inating competent persons under the Management 
of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
➤
any information required to be provided by legislation
➤
the planning and organization of any health and 
safety training required by legislation
➤
the health and safety consequences to employ-
ees of the introduction of new technologies into the 
workplace.
The guidance emphasizes the difference between 
informing and consulting. Consultation involves listening 
to employees’ views and taking account of what they 
say before any decision is taken.