Workplace health and safety

We appreciate that health and safety law may appear complicated and daunting. Yet, it is likely that for most businesses you will only need to complete a few simple checks to ensure you comply.

We can provide advice and support to businesses and members of the public to improve general health, safety and wellbeing awareness. If you run a small business, see the health and safety made simple toolkit.

You need to be aware certain activities are more likely to cause injury to you, the public or your employees. If you need specific advice there is a comprehensive range of guidance available on the Health and Safety Executive’s Website HSE: Information about health and safety at work.

As regulators, we need to know about your business if it falls into a high hazard category.

This does not mean that you will receive a visit from us. It will mean that we will contact you with important health and safety information from time to time.

We are the enforcing authority for health and safety in a range of businesses, including warehouses, residential care homes, retail premises (shops), tyre and exhaust fitters and leisure centres and so on, whereas the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for factories, government and emergency services and hospitals. We also listen to complaints made against employers to ensure workplaces are meeting health and safety standards.

Report a health and safety incident

You must report specified workplace incidents to us. We will consider if further investigation is necessary.

The outcome of these enquiries usually involves the giving of advice to the employer. We may take formal action if a blatant breach of regulation is the main reason for an accident.

Last updated 20 December 2023