Health and safety at work

Role of the Council

We enforce the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act in a wide range of commercial premises in the borough. We also provide advice to businesses and members of the public in order to raise awareness of health and safety issues.

Some of the tasks carried out as part of this service include:

• inspecting premises such as offices, shops and warehouses to make sure conditions are acceptable and safe
• investigating accidents at work, which involve either staff or the general public
• investigating complaints connected to health and safety

However, we are not able to investigate all incidents and complaints. If you need advice on a personal injury claim, the Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to help or you should contact a solicitor.

We can provide general information and advice to employers and employees who want to know more about health and safety legislation.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publish a wide range of guidance and information to employees and duty holders regarding their legal responsibilities.

Accidents, injuries and diseases in the workplace

Reporting

Accidents, injuries and diseases at work must be reported and recorded, for further advice please see the HSE website:

HSE - Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations

Preventing

For advice on preventing accidents, injuries and diseases at work please see the HSE website:

• Asbestos
• Slips and trips
• Falls
• Lifting and back pain
• Skin conditions
• Search through the topics list on the guidance page for other areas

Claiming

We cannot provide advice on claiming for personal injuries at work - you may instead like to take advice from the Citizens Advice bureau or contact a solicitor.