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Health & Safety at Work
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 applies to all people at work whether they are employers, employees, self-employed, contractors or visitors including the general public, who may be affected by work activities. The Act is supported by a comprehensive set of Regulations, Codes of Practice and guidance relating to a wide range of work activities and specific hazards.
Health and safety at work is enforced jointly by the Council's Commercial Team and by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In general terms the Council is responsible for enforcement in lower risk businesses such as offices, shops, leisure facilities and catering premises, whereas the HSE enforces in high risk and manufacturing premises.
The Commercial Team (based within the Environmental Health section) operates a continuous programme of inspections to ensure that legal standards are maintained at a frequency determined by risk assessment. The Team works closely with local businesses and employees to help them both meet their legal obligations and to improve health and safety in the workplace.
Further information on the law and its implications for employers, employees and the self-employed can be found in a free HSE booklet called 'An Introduction to Health & Safety'. This booklet is available on the free publications section of the HSE website or by ringing 01462 474000.
- Accidents at Work
Reporting accidents and ill health at work is a legal requirement. The information gained can help the local authority to identify where and how risks arise and prevent further injury and ill health. The team will carry out investigations into reportable accidents in accordance with the Council's Accident Investigation Policy. - Complaints about Working Conditions
For certain categories of commercial premises the Commercial team will deal with complaints about issues of health, safety and welfare. - Cooling Towers
In order to assist with the control of legionnaires disease, the Commercial team maintain a list of business premises within North Hertfordshire who operate cooling towers. - Asbestos
For certain categories of business premises the Commercial team accept notifications from licensed contractors for works involved with the removal of asbestos. The Commercial team will give advice to householders on the safe removal and disposal of asbestos. - Skin Piercing
The Commercial team issue registrations under local byelaws for businesses engaged in tattooing, acupuncture, electrolysis, semi permanent skin colouring and cosmetic piercing.