Health and Safety at work

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and related legislation, is enforced at individual work premises by either the Health or Safety Executive, or us - the Local Authority, according to the main activity carried out there.

Regulations known as the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998 allocate the enforcement of health and safety legislation at different premises between the Council and the Health and Safety Executive.

Although these rules can be a little confusing, generally, the Council will enforce health and safety legislation in retailing, wholesale distribution, warehousing, hotel and catering premises, offices, and the consumer and leisure industries.

We aim to ensure that work premises are safe for both employees and visitors and that accidents are prevented wherever possible.

Our aims are to:

• Inspect places of work to ensure compliance with health and safety laws, in accordance with government and local priorities.
• Carry out inspections to premises which are likely to present the highest hazards and risks to employees and members of the public.
• Use educational techniques as well as legal means to achieve compliance.
• Register particular premises (for example, tattooing, ear-piercing, acupuncture and electrolysis).
• Advise other council departments about health and safety at events.
• Advise businesses on health and safety at work.
• Advise workers and employees who are experiencing health and safety problems at work and may need to discuss their situation with someone outside their company. We may be able to provide advice or deal with the query as a complaint. If an inspector makes an investigation the complainant's name is not revealed.
• Work with other interested professionals both locally and nationally.

Partnership

The Health and Safety Section plays an active role within the Bradford Area Occupational Health and Safety Forum. The Forum provides a network of information and consultation between businesses, public sector organisations, voluntary groups and trade unions.

Useful links to HSE topics

• Health and safety made simple
• Ask an expert
• Risk management
• Guidance on health and safety