Image: Louise Galdes
Our Health and Safety Unit carries out regular checks on offices, shops, warehouses, places used for leisure activities and other non-industrial premises. (The Health and Safety Executive deal with factories and other industrial operations). This ensures that safe and healthy working conditions are provided for all employees, the self-employed and members of the public visiting these premises.
As with food safety, inspections are carried out routinely and without notification. We visit high risk premises more frequently.
During an inspection, officers will need to be satisfied that any hazards to people's health, safety and welfare have been identified, and any risks adequately controlled. They will look at the level of health and safety training of managers and employees. Checks will also be made on the structural and environmental conditions, and that plant and equipment are safe.
Where work practices or conditions are unsatisfactory, every attempt will be made to resolve the situation by informal means, but if this is not possible, or if there is a risk of serious personal injury, then officers will resort to formal action. This could involve either the service of a legal notice, prosecution, or where there is a risk of serious personal injury, a prohibition notice, which requires immediate action.
Health and Safety Complaint Investigation
Complaints about working conditions are always investigated sensitively and the complainant's confidentiality is assured. Such matters are usually resolved by giving advice to the employer, but as with accident investigation, if formal action is needed then it will be taken.
Health and Safety Accident Investigation
The investigation of dangerous incidents and accidents at work also forms an important part of our work. These usually result in advice to the employer. If a blatant breach of requirements is identified as the main reason for an accident, then formal action will be taken.
In the event that someone who has been injured as a result of a work related accident wishes to pursue a compensation claim, their legal advisor may wish to obtain a statement from us. This details our investigation findings.
Standard: For urgent health and safety complaints, such as severe accidents or dangerous occurrences, we will respond as soon as we can and certainly no later than the next day.
Standard: For routine matters we will respond to complaints within 5 working days.
Cooling Towers
All premises where cooling towers and evaporative condensers are situated must register with the local authority under The Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers Regulations 1992.
Information and Advice
We are committed to working together with proprietors and managers to achieve high standards and prevent problems. We are always willing to give advice on legislation or practical problems, so if you are considering setting up a business, or wish to discuss anything in relation to your existing premises, please feel free to contact us.
Contact Details
The Licensing Section
South Derbyshire District Council
Environmental Health Section
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH
tel: 01283 595724
fax: 01283 595855
Online: online enquiry form
email: environmental.health@south-derbys.gov.uk
page ref: LGSL 419 & 753
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