The regulations implemented European Union directive 89/654/EEC on minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace and repealed and superseded much of the Factories Act 1961 and Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963.

[3] Breach of the regulations by an employer, controller of work premises or occupier of a factory is a crime, punishable on summary conviction or on indictment with an unlimited fine.

[6] Enforcement is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or in some cases, local authorities.

[9] The regulations apply to all workplaces as well as ships, construction sites or mines and quarries.

They do not apply in respect of exceptions in the EU directive:[2] The Secretary of State for Defence may exempt premises on grounds of national security (reg.26).