Health and Safety

The Health Protection Team at Winchester City Council is responsible for the enforcement of health and safety regulations in over 2000 premises such as offices, hotels, restaurants, warehouses and shops. Responsibility is shared with the Government's Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which is responsible for inspecting manufacturing industries, construction and agriculture. For more information about the types of premises enforced by the HSE and local authorities visit the HSE website.

Our task is to ensure that every employer, employee and self-employed person understands and complies with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated legislation.

Basic principles of a safe workplace include floors and corridors kept clear, sufficient light and ventilation, an appropriate temperature and seating to fit the worker.

Main duties of the Team are:
• Dealing with complaints and enquiries about health and safety issues
• Carrying out routine inspections
• Health and safety enforcement where breaches of the Regulations are found
• Investigating accidents at work

Complaints
All complaints regarding health, safety, welfare, or working conditions are investigated in confidence within 3 days of receipt. The officer will discuss the complaint and advise as to any action to be taken.

Inspections
Routine inspections are carried out to ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The inspections enable a risk assessment to be produced for each premise, which determines the minimum frequency of visits per year. A risk assessment examines what in the workplace could cause harm to people so that precautions can be taken.