Health and Safety at Work: What you need to do right now
If you are worried about health and safety at work, the most important thing is this:
you have a legal right to a safe working environment, and you can act immediately if something feels wrong.
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, your employer must take reasonable steps to protect your workplace safety, reduce risks, and prevent harm.
This page gives you clear, practical steps to follow if your work safety is at risk.
What health and safety in the workplace actually means
Health and safety in the workplace is not just policy—it is about real conditions you face every day.
It covers:
- Safe equipment and machinery
- Proper training and supervision
- Protection from workplace hazards
- Safe working hours and conditions
- Mental wellbeing and stress risks
If any of these are missing, your workplace health and safety may be compromised.
What your employer must do (legal duties)
Under the health and safety at work act, employers must:
- Carry out risk assessments
- Provide safe systems of work
- Maintain equipment safely
- Give proper training and information
- Provide protective equipment where needed
- Act quickly when risks are reported
If your employer ignores these duties, they may be in breach of the (HASAWA) health and safety at work act.
What you should do if your workplace feels unsafe
If you are facing a health and safety workplace issue, follow these steps:
Step 1: identify the risk
Be clear about what is unsafe.
Examples include faulty equipment, unsafe lifting, lack of training, or excessive workload.
Step 2: report it immediately
Raise the issue with your manager or supervisor.
Do this in writing where possible so there is a record.
Step 3: keep evidence
Take photos, keep emails, and note dates and times.
This strengthens your position if the issue escalates.
Step 4: give your employer a chance to fix it
Most issues should be addressed quickly if reported properly.
Step 5: escalate if nothing changes
If the risk continues, you may need further support to protect yourself.
Can you refuse unsafe work?
Yes—if you reasonably believe there is serious and imminent danger, you may be able to refuse unsafe work.
However, this must be handled carefully. Acting without guidance can create complications.
If you are unsure, seek advice before taking action.
Common Workplace Safety Issues We See
At The Workers Union, we regularly support members dealing with:
- Unsafe manual handling practices
- Lack of PPE in high-risk roles
- Poorly maintained machinery
- Excessive working hours leading to fatigue
- Stress and mental health risks ignored by employers
- Unsafe environments in construction, logistics, and care sectors
These are not rare situations—they are happening across UK workplaces right now.
What happens if your employer ignores health and safety?
If concerns are not addressed, risks can escalate quickly.
You may face:
- Increased risk of injury or illness
- Ongoing unsafe working conditions
- Pressure to continue working in unsafe environments
In serious cases, external enforcement bodies may become involved, and employers can face legal consequences under the health and safety at work etc act 1974.
How The Workers Union supports you
When workplace safety becomes a real concern, you need clear, fast guidance—not generic advice.
The Workers Union helps you:
- Understand your position immediately
- Structure your complaint properly
- Respond to employer actions
- Escalate concerns where needed
- Access further support if the situation becomes serious
This is about helping you take control of the situation quickly and effectively.
Take action early
Workplace risks rarely improve on their own. Acting early gives you the strongest position. If something feels wrong, trust your judgement and take steps now. The Workers Union is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Frequently asked questions about workplace health and safety
Report the issue immediately and record it in writing. Then gather evidence and monitor how your employer responds.
No. You are protected when raising genuine health and safety at work concerns.
You may need to escalate the issue and seek further support to protect yourself.
Yes. Every worker is covered by workplace health and safety laws, regardless of role or industry.
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