Workplace legislation, policies and procedures are designed to ensure the well-being and safety of all individuals and employees. They provide a set of rules that should be followed at all times by everyone, so that one person's actions cannot negatively affect someone else. If someone is found to be acting in a way deemed inappropriate by health and safety guidelines, this can be brought to the attention of supervisors with the minimum of fuss, as they have been found to be breaking a number of strict rules (Sephton, 2013 ). Company policies and procedures should be easy to follow, to minimize confusion and disputes. When new employees join a company, during the onboarding process they should be informed of all the necessary policies and procedures so that they can work correctly and safely as soon as their job begins. If an employee is found not to be following official guidelines or legislation, he or she should be appropriately reprimanded. In most cases this should mean a warning first. If an employee breaks the rules again, more serious discipline may be given (Portsmouth City Council, n.d.). In a health and social care environment, official policies are of particular importance. They ensure that every single employee treats customers with care and professionalism. For example, a doctor in a hospital must refrain from operating on patients he knows personally. This is because their emotions may influence their judgment during the procedure. Alternatively, a nurse in a clinic should wash their hands regularly. This prevents infections from being passed from one patient to another. Although some health and safety procedures may seem unnecessary and time-consuming, they are essential...... half of the document....../can-you-explain-how-legislation-policies -and-procedures-are-used-to-promote-the [accessed 14 March 2014]• The Scottish Government (2003). The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Acts 2004 & 2009: Consultation on changes to secondary legislation and code of practice to support children's learning [webpage] available on the Scottish Government website; scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/11/03140104/3 [accessed 23 March 2014]• The Scottish Government (2007). Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 [webpage] available on the UK Government website; law.gov.uk/asp/2007/10/contents [accessed 23 March 2014]• UK Government (2003). Employing people: staff redundancies and redundancies [webpage] available on the Scottish Government website; scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/11/03140104/3 [last accessed 23 March, 2014]