Service Standards - what you can expect?

Health and Safety Team Enforcement Service Standards

We aim to ensure that when we enforce the law our actions are proportionate, consistent, fair, and appropriate, that people understand why the action is being taken, what is expected from them and what they should expect from us. We aim to be helpful and open in our actions and target our resources at the highest risk areas. 

If as a result of an inspection or investigation you are required to take some action, we will make it clear what must be done, why, and by when, distinguishing between legal requirements and good practice, in written and verbal communications. We will confirm verbal advice in writing when requested.

Prior to formal action being taken, unless immediate action is required, we will discuss the circumstances, where possible. Where immediate action is necessary we will explain why it is needed and confirm this in writing within 10 days.

We will also advise businesses on compliance with the law. Your right of appeal against an enforcement notice is detailed on the back of notice.

Officers will identify themselves by name and be courteous, helpful and provide you with a contact point for future reference.

We aim to:

• inspect all businesses that are classified at presenting a high risk at least once a year
• inspect premises at intervals that reflect the health and safety risk of the premises in accordance with national guidance. (Our target is 80 per cent)
• write to businesses following a routine inspection within 14 days. (Our target is 80 per cent)
• serve a notice if one is required following a visit within 14 days. (Our target is 80 per cent)

We aim to:

• make sure that anyone requesting a service will get a first response within 3 days informing them who is handling the request, what is going to be done and how long it will take to deal with the matter. (Our target is 88 per cent)
• respond to complaints about health and safety within 3 days, to investigate within 7 days and reach a practical resolution within 28 days. (Our target is 80 per cent)
• respond to enquiries within 4 days, to investigate within 7 days and reach a practical resolution within 28 days. (Our target is 80 per cent)

We aim to:

• respond to lift reports and inspection requests for nurseries from Ofsted within 4 days, to investigate within 7 days and reach a practical resolution within 28 days. (Our target is 80 per cent)
• respond to asbestos removal notifications within 7 days and agree a satisfactory method of removal with 14 days. (Our target is 80 per cent)

We aim to:

• respond to notifications of fatal accidents, major injuries or dangerous occurrences, either by visit or telephone within 1 day. (Our target is 80 per cent)
• prioritise and respond to the most serious notified accidents which result in a three day absence from work within 7 days. (Our target is 80 per cent)
• complete accident investigations within 6 weeks. (Our target is 80 per cent)

We aim to:

•  respond to complaints about our services within 28 days.

Download and print a copy of our Health and Safety Team Enforcement Service Standards. [PDF file information]