The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 places responsibilities on employers, employees, and the self-employed to have regard for their own health and safety and that of others working for them, with them, or visiting their premises. Health and safety legislation is enforced in work places by the District Council or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
As a general rule factories, construction sites, medical activities and local authority premises are the responsibility of the HSE. Offices, shops, warehouses, restaurants, hotels, places of worship and leisure and consumer services are the responsibility of the District Council. The same laws apply in both cases.
Officers of the Council may visit work places without prior notice. Inspections can be routine or to investigate accidents.
Officers are willing to provide advice on the application of the law. However, where necessary, the legal powers of enforcement may be used subject to our Enforcement Policy, for more information regarding this policy please call Environmental Health Services on 01884 244601/02/03/09.
If you have a complaint about working conditions or you require information about the application of the legislation to your business contact the Commercial Team on 01884 244603 or email ehadmin@middevon.gov.uk A complaint form can be downloaded, please click on the related page.
Health and Safety Service Plan
Every year the Council have to produce and circulate a Health and Safety Service Plan.
This outlines the Health and Safety Service provided by the Council so the councillors, employees, public and local businesses know how the service operates.
It also provides information to the Health and Safety Executive who may audit the Council to ensure we are doing the job properly.
To view the Plan click on the related page. Should you have any comments or questions do not hesitate to contact us.
If you require advice or information on Health and Safety matters you can call Environmental Health Services on 01884 244601/02/03/09. The Health and Safety Executive has produced a useful website where information and guidance leaflets can be downloaded www.hse.gov.uk
The Safer Work Better Business
The Safer Work Better Business pack created by the Devon H&S Sub-Group in now on-line www.torbay.gov.uk/swbb for businesses to download. The idea is that the sections will be updated as things change etc. Supported by the HSE and LG Regulation and modelled on the FSA'a Safer Food Better Business pack - it could form the basis for a small/medium sized business to comply with the legal standards on H&S.
Priced publications can be ordered via www.hsebooks.gov.uk
