Welcome to the West Devon Borough Council website.

The 'Getting Started in Business' page of the Health & Safety Executive website provides comprehensive advice and information for employers, including templates for a Health & Safety Risk Assessment and Health & Safety Policy.   Please see below for some specific questions and answers;  you can also contact our Environmental Health section for further information and advice.

Do I have to display a Health & Safety Law Poster at my business premises?

If you have more than 5 employees you must display this poster or a suitable leaflet can be given to each individual employee, with the relevant information filled in the boxes. The poster or leaflet includes basic health and safety information, and tells people who is responsible for helath & safety at your premises. The poster can be purchased from the HSE, and there is also a leaflet which may be helpful to your employees, 'Health & Safety Law - What you should know', which is downloadable from the HSE site - for the poster adn the leaflet please go to the link on the right 'The Health & Safety Law Poster and Leaflet'.

I am self employed, do I have to comply with Health & Safety legislation?

Yes, you are responsible for takin care of your own health & safety and that of any others who may be affected by your business.

Who do I have to contact to report a complaint about my workplace OR to get advice about Health & Safety for my workplace or business? (eg Health & Safety Executice (HSE) or Local Authority?)

Complaints or enquiries about health & safety issues in your workplace can be directed in the first instance to the management or Health & Safety representative at your workplace. If you are not satisfied with this, or feel compromised, then the Local Authority or HSE will act or advise you on your complaint. All enquiries will be treateed in confidence.

How do I report an accident to an employee, visitor or member of the public which has happened at my place of work?

The first report should be made to your manager or health & safety representative and recorded in the Accident Book. Serious accidents as designated in the Reporting of injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR 1995 - please go to the weblink in the Useful Information box on the right) must be reported within 10 days, and fatal or major accidents by telephone immediately, to the Local Authority or HSE as appropriate.

Do I have to register my business premises for H&S purposes, and how do I find out whether I have to register with the Health & Safety Executive or the Local Authority?

If you are a new business and if you employ staff you will need to register with the HSE or with the Local Authority. Our Environmental Health Department can advise you, or you can contact the HSE if they will be responsible for your premises. You can also go to the HSE website for comprehensive information regarding registration of a premises.

Do I have to complete a self-assessment questionnaire?

Under the Health & Safety at Work etc Act l974 the Local Authority is authorised to inspect all work premises. The self assessment form is an alternative to an actual inspection.

What happens after I register my premises?

Periodically you may receive a visit from an Authorised Officer to check compliance of your premises and business with current legislation. Alternatively you may receive a self-assessment questionnaire for you to complete and return in lieu of the visit. As the Local Authority our officers are happy to give advice on Health & Safety issues to buisnesses or the public who may be affected.

What will the inspector check when he visits my premises?

The inspector will check that you are complying with current legislation, and advise you of the steps you must take in order to achieve this. If you have a problem ask sooner rather than later; the Council welcomes enquiries and will give free advice on any Health & Safety topic within their remit. Inspectors will use informal actions in the first instance, and Statutory Enforcement by the service of Notices or Prosecution as a last resort.