Line managers have a vital role to play in the management of health and safety in the workplace.
It has been recognised that their leadership can positively affect the standard of health and safety and this has been reflected in the Institute of Directors/Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publication INDG417 Leading Health and Safety at Work.
The important role of line managers has also been recognised by the legislation on health and safety: specific legal responsibilities have been placed upon line managers and other senior personnel.