We are responsible for enforcing health and safety within commercial premises across different teams alongside the Health and Safety Executive, with each organisation taking responsibility for different business sectors.
| Local Authority | Health and Safety Executive |
|---|---|
| Retail outlets | Manufacturers |
| Wholesale warehouses | Construction |
| Office accommodation | Fairgrounds |
| Leisure facilities | Agricultural premises |
| Catering establishments | Medical facilities |
| Music events | Local government buildings |
We are responsible for carrying out health and safety inspections and the investigation of complaints and accidents at commercial premises in the country.
Inspections
Inspections are carried out on a routine basis, usually without prior notification, and high-risk premises are visited more frequently.
Officers will:
- inspect hazards and work activities
- examine how you manage health and safety and comply with regulations
- look at the health and safety training of managers and staff
Inspectors may offer you guidance or advice to help you comply with the law.
Where conditions or work practices are deemed unsatisfactory, we will attempt to resolve the situation informally. If this is not possible or if there is a high risk of personal injury, formal action will be taken in the form of a legal notice, prosecution, or prohibition notice, where immediate action must be taken.
Enforcement action
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) maintains online databases for:
We also keep a public register of all health and safety enforcement notices which were served for issues relating to persons other than just employees.
Prior to taking enforcement action we must refer to the following HSE guidance:
We are committed to the principles of the Regulators Code and have an enforcement policy which sets out our approach to all enforcement work.
If you believe that any advice or enforcement we have given is incorrect then you should contact the inspecting officer. The HSE also operates an independent Regulatory Challenge Panel who can be contacted should you remain unhappy after discussing the issue with us.
Gas and electrical safety
We are responsible for enforcing electrical and gas safety within most commercial premises including cafés, restaurants hotels and guest houses.
Electrical safety
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition.
You must assess the risks of your use of electricity at work and take steps to control these risks - from ensuring electrical installations are safe and providing suitable equipment, to carrying out preventative maintenance and ensuring safe systems of work.
Inspection and testing of electrical installation in commercial premises should take place at least every five years according to the BS:7671 (IEE Wiring Regulations, 17th Edition).
Portable appliance testing (PAT)
The frequency of inspection and testing depends upon the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. For guidance on suggested frequencies of inspection and testing, visit the Health and Safety Executive website.
Gas safety
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 requires all employers to ensure that gas appliances, flues, pipe work and safety devices are maintained in a safe condition. They should be inspected by a competent person in accordance with current industry practice. Periods between inspections may vary depending on the equipment and its use and should follow manufacturer's recommendations, but generally annual inspections are required.
Gas Safe
Anyone carrying out work on gas must be registered with Gas Safe. If not, they are breaking the law and putting you and your workforce at risk.
Visit the Gas Safe Register website to find a qualified engineer.