Health and Safety at Work

This page gives an overview of one of the responsibilities of the Health and Safety team who are part of the Commercial Team within Environmental Services.

 

Who does it protect?

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the principal law covering the safety of people affected by work activities. It includes protection for;

• employees
• the self-employed
• sub-contractors
• people who are not involved in the work (e.g. passers by and members of the public)

Who does it place duties on?

It places duties on;

• employers
• employees
• the self-employed

Who enforces this Law?

It is the responsibility of the Council to ensure that duty holders comply with requirements.  We are not the only body who enforces these requirements; this duty is shared with the Health and Safety Executive.

 

Who does what?

The general types of business where The Council enforce this law are;

• Retail
• Wholesale
• Office
• Catering
• Provision of residential accommodation (eg residential homes)
• Consumer services provided in a shop (eg shoe repairs)
• Art/sport/entertainment/leisure premises
• Churches

This is merely an overview of the list, which is rather more detailed than this!  If you have any queries as to who would be the "Enforcing Authority" for a particular activity, then please contact us on 01843 577580 or email environmental.health@thanet.gov.uk

 

Where can I get more information about health & safety?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

provide information in three ways;

• Website http://www.hse.gov.uk/
• Books http://www.hsebooks.co.uk/
• Infoline - 01787 881165 or hseinformationservices@natbrit.com

 

Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

This is the professional organisation of safety officers, and offers a wide variety of technical information and membership details. http://www.iosh.co.uk/

Environmental Health

 

E-mail:

environmental.health
@thanet.gov.uk 

 

Tel: 01843 577580

 

Fax: 01843 290906