Inspection and regulation
Our health and safety team carries out regular checks on commercial premises.
The types of premises we check include:
- offices
- shops
- warehouses
- places used for leisure activities
- other non-industrial premises
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) deals with:
- factories
- other industrial operations
These checks are to make sure that safe and healthy working conditions are provided for all employees, the self-employed and members of the public visiting these premises.
Inspections are carried out on a routine basis, mostly without prior notification. High risk premises are visited more frequently.
During an inspection we must be satisfied that any work-related hazards to people's health, safety and welfare have been identified and that any serious risks are controlled. We will look at the level of health and safety training of managers and employees to make sure that it is suitable.
Checks will also be made on structural and environmental conditions and to make sure equipment is safe. Where conditions are not 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 injury, then we will take 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.