Enforcing authorities

There are two authorities who are responsible for enforcing health and safety legislation and therefore offering advice - the local councils and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). For activities occurring in Herefordshire, the local council contact is the Environmental Health Commercial Section Tel: 01432 261761 whilst the HSE may be contacted at their Worcester office Tel: 01905 723406.

Email: ethelpline@herefordshire.gov.uk

The type and nature of business activity primarily determines whether the enforcing authority is the local council or the HSE.

Broadly, local councils are responsible for activities at or connected with offices, shops, warehousing, leisure, consumer services, catering, accommodation, residential care and some other areas.

The HSE is responsible for manufacturing, agriculture, construction, health services, local councils, railways, gas and a whole host of specialist areas e.g. motor vehicle repairs.

The Health and Safety (Enforcing Authorities) Regulations 1998 (S.I. 494) contain more information.