At the time of its passage, the Act was intended to extend the protection of workplace health, safety and welfare under the Factories Act 1961 to other employees in Great Britain.

Though as of 2008[update] some of it remains in force, it has largely been superseded by the Health and Safety at Work etc.

Breach of the residual provisions is still a crime punishable on summary conviction in the magistrates' court by a fine of up to £400 or, on indictment in the Crown Court, imprisonment for up to two years and an unlimited fine.

Though no such liability is stipulated by the Act itself, none is excluded and the facts could be such as to give rise to a cause of action in that tort.

[8] A breach not actionable in itself may be evidential towards a claim for common law negligence.