Sector guide
16 obligations that are typically legally required, 18 in all — with the legislation, renewal frequency and penalties behind each.
Construction draws the HSE’s heaviest attention: on top of project-side CDM duties, the firm itself carries premises and equipment obligations — plant and lifting gear under LOLER and PUWER, COSHH for dusts and substances, work-at-height controls, and asbestos duties on anything pre-2000.
This guide lists the obligations that typically apply to a construction firm’s yards, offices and equipment in England & Wales, with the legislation, frequency and penalties for each.
The duties that generally apply to premises like yours under UK law, with what enforcement can look like.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
Enforced by the HSE: improvement/prohibition notices and, on conviction, unlimited fines and/or imprisonment.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
Enforced by the HSE: improvement/prohibition notices and unlimited fines; respirable crystalline silica is a major enforcement focus.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; HSW Act 1974
Enforced under the HSW Act 1974: summary conviction an unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment; on indictment an unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years' imprisonment.
Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969
GBP 2,500 per day without it; GBP 1,000 for not displaying certificate
Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations
Unlawful to let with F or G rating; fines vary
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005; Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Enforced under the RRFSO 2005.
Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981; HSW Act 1974
Enforced under the HSW Act 1974: summary conviction an unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment; on indictment an unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years' imprisonment.
Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999; HSW Act 1974
Enforced under the HSW Act 1974: summary conviction an unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment; on indictment an unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years' imprisonment.
HSW Act 1974; COSHH 2002; ACoP L8
Enforced under the HSW Act 1974 and COSHH 2002: summary conviction an unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment; on indictment an unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years' imprisonment.
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
Operating lifting plant without a valid thorough examination can lead to HSE prohibition notices and unlimited fines on conviction.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; HSW Act 1974
Enforced under the HSW Act 1974: summary conviction an unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment; on indictment an unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years' imprisonment.
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
Enforced under CAR 2012 / the HSW Act 1974: unlimited fines and/or up to 2 years' imprisonment on conviction.
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013; HSW Act 1974
Failure to report is a criminal offence: summary conviction an unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment; on indictment an unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years' imprisonment.
Environmental Protection Act 1990 s34; Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011
Breach of the waste duty of care is a criminal offence: summary conviction a fine; on indictment an unlimited fine.
Work at Height Regulations 2005
Enforced under the WAH Regulations / HSW Act 1974: improvement/prohibition notices and unlimited fines on conviction.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 s2(3)
Failure to prepare/revise a written policy where required is an offence under the HSW Act 1974: summary conviction an unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment; on indictment an unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years' imprisonment.
Extra duties that switch on with a feature of the building or how you operate.
Gas appliances or a gas boiler
A passenger or goods lift
Pressure systems (boilers, compressors)
Computer workstations
A commercial kitchen or food preparation
Heavy lifting or moving people
Hazardous substances (COSHH)
Work at height (ladders, roofs)
Workplace vehicles or forklifts
Fume or dust extraction (LEV)
A swimming or spa pool
A building constructed before 2000
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This guide highlights the obligations, frequencies and penalties that typically apply to premises like yours in England & Wales — general information to help you act on your duties, not legal advice and not a definitive statement of your position. You remain the duty-holder; take your own professional advice where you need certainty. Keeval is a trading name of Brenkon Holdings Limited (no. 16987530).