Health and safety: police

The Police (Health and Safety) Act 1997 formally brought the police within the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

The Police (Health and Safety) Regulations 1999 apply the provisions of all existing health and safety regulations to police officers but with some aspects amended to allow the police to use items of work equipment with appropriate force against others during their operational activities.

Concerns that the police are being unduly impeded by health and safety law have led to new guidance being produced. An alternative suggestion – that the police should be released from obligations under the 1974 Act – has not been pursued.