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.