Health and safety for businesses

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and associated regulations all employers have a duty to make sure that their workplaces are safe for their employees and members of the public.

• Download our health and safety starter pack for small businesses
• Visit the Health and Safety Executive website to access the health and safety toolbox to check if you comply with health and safety legislation. 

What we do:

• inspect workplaces to ensure that they are safe and that employers are complying with the law
• investigate complaints
• investigate some reportable accidents and dangerous occurrences
• we can provide businesses, employees and members of the public with advice and information, or point you to relevant guidance
• promote awareness and knowledge through specific projects
• work in partnership with other relevant organisations like the Health and Safety Executive and other local authorities.

What happens during an inspection?

Officers will introduce themselves on arrival at the premises and will produce authorisation and identification.

An officer has specific powers which they may utilise during the inspection, these include:

• entering the premises at any reasonable time
• carry out examinations and investigations
• take measurements, photographs and samples
• take possession of articles or substances
• require people to give accurate information and take statements from them
• inspect and copy any relevant documents.

Officers may not always make an appointment for their visits, particularly if they are investigating an accident or complaint. We may make an appointment so as to ensure that they can speak to a relevant person. Officers who look around the businesses will discuss work activities and look at the health and safety management system that the business has in place.

Officers may look at supporting paperwork which may include the following:

• health and safety policy
• risk assessments
• equipment inspection records
• accident records
• training records.

Officers will follow up a visit with the following, depending on the seriousness of the situation:

• informal - verbal or written advice/instruction/warning
• improvement notice - 21 days to comply with legal requirements
• prohibition notice - prohibition of a work activity or use of work equipment either immediately or after a specified time
• prosecution - if there are serious failings or failure to comply with a legal notice.

Last updated: 23/08/2023 14:00