Business practice and regulation

Enforcement Authorities

Responsibility for the enforcement of Health and Safety Legislation is shared between the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Local Authorities (District or Borough Councils). In Local Authorities, health and safety is usually dealt with by the Environmental Health Department.

Local Councils are the Enforcing Authority for the following types of business:

Offices Shops and Wholesalers
Warehouses Hotels and Caterers
Sports and Leisure Facilities Residential accommodation
Places of Worship Nurseries
Mobile Traders

They may be responsible for a few other types of premises, and you can contact the Environmental Health Department for confirmation.

All other types of business will be the responsibility of the HSE. You should contact their area office (details in the telephone book). For Bedford, the Area Office is at 14 Cardiff Road, Luton. Tel. 01582 444200/ 4. The Enforcing Authorities carry out a number of important functions:

(a) Investigating reported accidents.
(b) Following up complaints (for example from concerned employees).
(c) Checking compliance with legislation.
(d) Providing advice and information.
(e) Collating statistics for particular industry sectors.
(f) Taking enforcement action.

If you require advice or information regarding Health and Safety, or are concerned about issues in your workplace, you should contact us. You must also let us know if you are starting up a new business.

SERVICES A-Z

Health and Safety

Health and Safety at Work Statement
Health and Safety at Work
Accidents at Work
Event Organisation
Safety Policies
Offices and Shops
Asbestos
Electrical Safety
COSHH
Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensors
Employee Welfare
Warehouses
Visual Display Units
Health and Safety Training
Mobile Phones and Base Stations
Ill Health
Risk Assessment
First Aid