Health and safety
Pages in Health and safety
- 1. Health and safety at work
- 2. Reporting a heath and safety concern
- 3. Health and safety advice for businesses
- 4. Housing standards
- 5. You are here: Inspections and enforcement
5. Inspections and enforcement
We may visit work premises to investigate accidents, complaints about health and safety conditions or to carry out planned inspections of some high risk activities. We might visit by appointment or visits may be unannounced, as officers have a right of entry to work premises at any reasonable time.
We can also visit at the request of the business, to provide advice and information on specific issues.
Our visits and investigations will usually focus on the main risks presented by the business. They will include a physical inspection of the site or activity, discussion with managers and staff, and examination of relevant documentation.
The outcomes of the visit or investigations will be clearly notified in writing. They will specify any legal requirements and make recommendations for good practice. The timescale for compliance will also be clearly stated.
If formal enforcement is necessary, for example the service of an Improvement Notice, the matter will be explained in full, including the timescale for compliance and appeal process.
Our Enforcement Policy states our principles and standards regarding enforcement.