What does it mean for regulations to be 'reasonably practicable'?

When regulations are described as 'reasonably practicable,' it implies that there is a need to find a balance between the level of risk involved and the measures required to mitigate that risk in terms of cost and time. This principle recognizes that while maintaining safety is crucial, it is also essential to consider the practicalities of implementing safety measures.

In practice, this means that if the cost of implementing a safety measure is disproportionate to the risk it aims to eliminate or reduce, it may not be deemed 'reasonably practicable' to enforce that measure. Therefore, organizations are encouraged to take sensible, cost-effective steps to protect health and safety while acknowledging that some level of risk is inherent in most activities.

The focus on proportionality embedded in this concept helps businesses, particularly smaller ones, navigate their health and safety responsibilities without being overwhelmed by obligations that may not be justified by the corresponding risk.