Health and safety at work
The enforcement of health and safety in workplaces is split between the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities (LAs). Cheltenham Borough Council work in line with our Health and Safety Service Plan and HSE guidance to protect the health, safety and welfare of all people affected by work activities for which we have enforcement responsibility. We also promote health and safety within these premises by carrying out planned projects.
Premises for which we have enforcement responsibility include:
- shops
- offices
- hotels and catering establishments
- sports and leisure facilities
- consumer services (launderettes, hairdressers, undertakers, shoe repair, tyre and exhaust fitters)
- places of worship
- warehouses
Responsibility in most other workplaces falls to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
You should report HSE related incidents or concerns, for at work situations, to the HSE directly.
Help and advice for businesses
Advice for small low risk businesses is available via health and safety basics on the HSE website.
View our business support and advice pages for other information.
Risk assessments
Risk assessments are essential to ensuring your business operates in a safe and legal manner. This helps you protect employees and the public. Written risk assessments are a legal requirement for business employing 5 or more persons. Visit the HSE website for further information and example risk assessments.
The 'Safer workplace better business' document updated by Torbay District Council also provides good clear advice and guidance for those in the hospitality industry and works with the specific risks present.
Report an accident at work
Some accidents at work must be reported. Both LAs and the HSE use the same web reporting system. Click below to understand more and make a report.
Report an injury, disease or dangerous occurrence (RIDDOR)Serious accidents should be reported as soon as possible. Early action can save time and lives. Serious accidents are to be reported via the above link and we also request a direct call to council 01242 262626 asking for Environmental Health health and safety team.
Complaints about health and safety in the workplace
If you have a concern about the safety or welfare within your workplace, you can contact us for further advice. We may decide to visit. This may be unannounced or by appointment, depending upon the situation. We normally speak to managers, supervisors, employees, health and safety representatives and similar people. The working conditions we may decide to look at include:
- how health and safety information is communicated to employees (for instance, on a health and safety poster or via a leaflet)
- adequacy of first aid provisions
- correct use and storage of chemicals
- health risks
- safety of equipment and machinery
- general cleanliness.
Officers normally request to see records these often include:
- health and safety policy statement
- risk assessments
- plant maintenance and inspection records
- training records
- accident records.
We are under a legal obligation to tell employees about issues concerning their health, safety and welfare at their workplace.
The local authority health and safety enforcement officers do not enforce fire safety. Fire legislation is enforced by the Fire Authority for Gloucestershire, the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
Complaints relating to fire should be directed them.
At the end of the visit we will advise on what further action, if any, is going to be taken. Any correspondence we send to you will be clear and will provide useful and relevant information on what is required.