Inspections and Investigation

Inspections and investigations are dealt with in the following way

The Council has a legal duty to enforce the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and related legislation. On behalf of the Council, the Health and Safety Officers aim to ensure that work premises are safe for employees and visitors to them and that accidents are prevented wherever possible. This is achieved by

• Inspections of business premises such as offices, shops and warehouses to ensure conditions are satisfactory and safe , in accordance with government priorities.
• Investigation of accidents at work which involve either staff or the general public.
• Investigation of complaints relating to health and safety.
• We provide information to businesses and members of the public to increase general awareness of health and safety.
• We use educational techniques as well as legal means to achieve compliance.
• We licence petrol stations, tattooists, skin pierces, acupuncturists, and register premises that sell and store fireworks.
• We advise other council departments about health and safety at events with a Public Entertainment Licence, cinemas, theatres etc.
• We work with Planning and Building Control Officers to advise on the health and safety implications of new developments
• We work with the Health and Safety Executive on joint initiatives and projects
• We give advice to customers and all stakeholders on health and safety issues
• We work with other health professionals locally and nationally
• We do not however deal with Council buildings and employees, manufacturing, construction or food manufacturing which are dealt with by the Health and Safety Executive.

What you can expect

We will:

• carry out regular and usually unannounced inspections of workplaces
• investigate relevant workplace accidents within one working day of being notified
• respond to complaints about health and safety in workplaces within two working days
• respond to requests for advice or information about health and safety within two working days
• respond to letters or emails about health and safety issues within five working days
• keep you fully informed of the progress made with your enquiry or complaint

Inspection of premises

The Health and Safety Teams within the Council carry out regular checks on offices, shops, warehouses, places used for leisure activities and other non-industrial premises. (The Health and Safety Executive deal with factories and other industrial operations). This ensures that safe and healthy working conditions are provided for all employees, the self-employed and members of the public visiting these premises.

As with food safety, inspections are carried out on a routine basis without prior notification and the high risk premises are visited more frequently.

During an inspection, Officers will need to be satisfied that any hazards to people's health, safety and welfare, which arise out of or in connection with work have been identified and the associated risks adequately controlled. They will look at the level of health and safety training of managers and employees to ensure that it is suitable. Checks will also be made on the adequacy of structural and environmental conditions and that plant and equipment are safe.

Where work practices or conditions fall short of what is regarded as satisfactory every attempt will be made to resolve the situation by informal means, but if this is not possible, or if the danger posed gives rise to a risk of serious personal injury, then officers will resort to formal action. This could involve either the service of a legal notice, prosecution, or in situations where serious personal injury could arise, a prohibition notice requiring immediate action.

Health and Safety Complaint Investigation

Complaints about working conditions are always investigated sensitively and the complainant's confidentiality is assured. Such matters are usually resolved by giving advice to the employer, but as with accident investigation, if formal action is needed then this will be taken.

Please contact us if you wish to make a complaint about health, safety or welfare conditions in a workplace. Please have full details ready of the premises concerned when you contact us.

Some workplaces will be the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive, rather than the Council, according to the nature of the work carried out. We can advise you who the relevant 'enforcing authority' for health and safety purposes is, when you contact us. If you make a complaint about a workplace, we will require your name, address and contact details so that we can keep you informed of our progress.

Health and Safety Accident Investigation

The investigation of dangerous occurrences and accidents at work also forms an important part of the Section's work. The outcome of these enquires usually involves the giving of advice to the employer. If a blatant breach of requirements is identified as the main reason for an accident happening, then formal action will be taken.

In the event that someone who has been injured as a result of a work related accident wishes to pursue a compensation claim their legal advisor may wish to obtain a factual statement from us. This details the investigation into the accident and the findings. The cost of this is £90 plus VAT.

Cooling Towers

All premises where cooling towers and evaporative condensers are situated must register with the local authority under The Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers Regulations 1992.

The prime purpose of this is to identify potential areas that could give rise to spread of infectious disease e.g. legionella and to ensure preventative measures are taken to eliminate the risk of such infection arising to employees and the public.

Information and Advice

The Council is committed to working together with proprietors and managers to achieve high standards and prevent problems. We are always willing to give advice on legislation, or practical problems, so if you are considering setting up a business, or wish to discuss anything in relation to your existing premises, please feel free to contact us.

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Last updated : 20.11.2008, 11:55:52