Health and Safety Enforcement Policy

Requests for service in respect of health and safety either relate to:

i) complaints received from employees or safety representatives concerning workplace issues;

ii) complaints received from members of the public or visitors to businesses concerning the impact of a business’ activity on others;

iii) requests for advice and information.

The purpose of investigating complaints is:

i) to identify possible causes for and to resolve any problems which pose a risk to health and safety;

ii) to substantiate complaints and to provide a service to the public;

iii) to provide information to the industry in order to raise and maintain standards;

iv) to perform a duty of enforcement and;

v) to prevent further complaints.

Complaints that relate to issues that may pose a serious and/or imminent risk to health and/or safety are considered of utmost importance and therefore require an immediate response upon notification in order to investigate as thoroughly as possible. In cases involving issues that do not pose a serious and/or imminent risk to health and/or safety, these will be reviewed within the departmental response time of 3 working days. Officers will conduct their investigations and visits in accordance with previously detailed policies and guidance.

All investigations shall be performed in accordance with HELA guidance and Codes of Practice and the Primary Authority principles shall prevail throughout the investigation.

Where it is determined that the HSE is the responsible enforcing authority, then appropriate liaison and transfer of the complaint will take place.

Enforcement action will be in accordance with the Enforcement Policy.