Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, what must employers ensure about plant equipment?

Employers have a legal obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act to ensure that all plant equipment is provided and maintained in a condition that is safe and does not pose a risk to health. This means that the equipment must be suitable for use, adequately maintained, and not likely to cause harm to employees or anyone else who may be affected by its use. Regular safety checks and maintenance procedures are essential to uphold this standard, ensuring that risks associated with equipment operation are minimized.

While using trained professionals is an important aspect of safety, the overarching requirement is that the equipment itself is safe for use. Similarly, annual replacement is not a blanket requirement; instead, equipment should be maintained as needed to ensure safety. Meeting the latest environmental standards is also important but is not directly addressed by the Health and Safety at Work Act concerning plant equipment safety and health risks.