Who enforces the law?
Enforcement of the law is split between the Council and the Health and Safety Executive. In general, all non-industrial premises, offices, shops, warehouses and places used for leisure activities and worship are enforced by the Council. The Health and Safety Executive deal with generally higher-risk premises such as factories, industrial sites, railways, transport, construction sites and Council, NHS and Crown premises. The Council and the Health and Safety Executive may also work in partnership for some enforcement matters.
What sort of enforcement does the Council do?
The Council follows an enforcement policy for all enforcement action. We have also signed up to the Government's "Enforcement Concordat"and the Regulators Compliance Code which sets out principles of good practice in regulatory and enforcement activity. Before we undertake any criminal proceedings we carefully consider an number of factors. We may also offer suitable offenders the opportunity to formally admit guilt and accept a formal caution. Our Enforcement Policy and Chartersets out the sort of criteria we use when considering legal action.
Who has been prosecuted recently?
The details of all prosecutions are held online.
What are the powers of a Health and Safety Inspector?
A health and safety inspector has a wide range of powers. These are found in Section 20 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Where can I get more information about enforcement of health and safety?
Have a look at the following websites:
Health and Safety Notices Public Register
By law, the Council is requred to maintain a public register of notices served which affect people other than those at work. Currently, this register is not available online but it is available to inspect at our office and we are working towards an electronic version similar to that of the Health and Safety Executive's notices website. Please use the contact form if you wish to inspect our register.
Appeals against Improvement and Prohibition Notices
If you have been served with an Improvement Notice or a Prohibition Notice under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, you have a right of appeal against the Notice. For further information on how to appeal please see our Appeals against Improvement and Prohibition Notices web page.
