Overview
If you run a business or are in control of a workplace, you are responsible for protecting the health and safety of your staff and others affected by your work activity under the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974 and associated regulations.
The term workplace not only includes factories, shops and offices but also schools, hospitals, hostels and places of entertainment.
What we do
The enforcement of health and safety law is split between the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and our Environmental Health team.
Our team carries out inspections of business premises and reviews all reports of workplace accidents in our district. We also offer advice and guidance.
To find out more about inspections and accidents, browse the other pages in this guide.
Priorities for your business
You should adopt a positive approach to concerns raised by your employees on health and safety issues. Their cooperation is essential for effective safety management and will help you to identify and address possible legal contraventions in your workplace.
These legal requirements apply to most businesses. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website provides guidance on insurance, writing a health and safety policy, carrying out risk assessments, health and safety training, appointing a health and safety co-ordinator and reporting incidents.
The HSE also offer a workplace health and safety guide for managers (PDF File, 82kb) and a health and safety regulations guide, amongst others, for download.