Health and Safety Inspections

This information is intended for those in business who have duties under health and safety law ('duty-holders'), for example employers and those in control of workplaces. It explains what you can expect when a health and safety inspector calls at your workplace.

It also tells employees and their representatives what information they may expect from an inspector during a visit.

Who enforces health and safety law?
Health and safety law is enforced by Environmental Health Officers( E.H.O's) or by inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

E.H.O's are employed by the Local Authority and they inspect commercial businesses within the Borough area such as warehouses, offices, shops, pubs and restaurants. Generally inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive inspect Industrial premises and Construction Sites. If you are in doubt who will inspect your business for Health and Safety you should contact Castle Point Environmental Health on Tel. 01268 882200 or email us.

Officers have the right to enter any workplace without giving notice, though notice may be given where they think it is appropriate. On a normal inspection visit an officer looks at the workplace, the work activities, your management of health and safety, and checks that you are complying with health and safety law. They may offer guidance or advice to help you. They may also talk to employees and their representatives, take photographs and samples, serve improvement notices and take action if there is a risk to health and safety which needs to be dealt with immediately.

For further information on health & safety enforcement, please click on one of the links opposite.