Health and safety inspectors can give advice on how to comply with the law. They also have powers to enforce it.
We enforce health and safety legislation within our area for the following workplaces:
- Catering, restaurants and pubs
- Consumer Services
- Hotels, camps, caravan sites and short stay accommodation
- Leisure and cultural
- Offices
- Common parts
- Churches and their graveyards
- Residential care (but not nursing homes)
- Retail shops, petrol stations
- Wholesale shops
- Warehouses
There are exceptions to these categories including all council premises or where the main site activity is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive ie schools.
Our Commercial and Licensing Teams carry out regulatory functions in all businesses for which we have enforcement powers. This might include projects as well as carrying out investigations into complaints or accidents. We will always:
- Explain clearly what needs to be done, why and by when and normally confirm the details in writing.
- Give the person(s) responsible the opportunity to resolve and discuss the issues before formal action is taken, unless there is any immediate danger or we believe that prompt formal action is the most appropriate approach.
- Explain in writing where immediate action must be taken.
- Explain any rights of appeal when formal action is taken.
Normally we will tell the company or individual at the time of the visit if anything needs to be done. If you indicate you agree with our decisions or requirements and we think no immediate formal action is needed, then we will write to the person(s) responsible to let you/them know what must be done, how and by when. Formal action will be taken if people are at risk, or have not acted on previous advice.