Health and Safety Enforcement

When enforcement action is considered, Health & Safety Officers will make this decision using Dover District Council’s Health & Safety Enforcement Policy.

• Health and Safety enforcement policy »

We believe in firm but fair enforcement of Health & Safety law and officers will always attempt to be reasonable and consistent in the approach we take with premises. The premises will be informed of why the action taken is appropriate.

• What to Expect When a Health & Safety Officer calls (pdf), provides more information on the different types of enforcement action that can be taken.

Public register of notices

Under the Environment and Safety Information Act 1988 notices served under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 containing any element that might affect the public, must be entered on a public register for a period of at least three years irrespective of whether or not they have been complied with by the recipient.  A copy of the register is available on request.

Who enforces what?

In general Dover District Council is responsible for enforcing Health & Safety legislation in

• wholesale and retail outlets
• offices
• restaurants
• hotels
• residential homes
• entertainment venues
• recreational facilities

 

The Health and safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for other premises such as

• manufacturing premises
• construction sites
• local government property
• transport
• schools and universities
• hospitals and nursing homes