The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) states: Every employer to shall ensure that work equipment is so constructed or adapted as to be suitable for the purpose for which it is provided, only used in the place and under the provisions for which it is suitable. It also states that every employer must ensure work equipment is efficiently maintained and kept fit for purpose.

Regulation 3 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 recognises a responsibility that employers and many employees have.

"It shall be the duty of every employer and self employed person to comply with the provisions of the Regulations in so far as they relate to matters which are within his control.

It shall be the duty of every employee while at work:

(a) to co-operate with his employer so far as is necessary to enable and duty placed on that employer by the provision of the Regulations to be complied with: and
(b) to comply with the provision of these regulations in so far as they relate to matters which are within his control."