The Health and Safety at Work Order (Northern Ireland) 1978 protects the health and safety of people – employed or self-employed – at work.  Every employer must ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all their employees, customers and visitors. The leaflet entitled 'Health and Safety Law' is a brief guide to health and safety at work law. It does not describe the law in detail, but it does list the key points.

Environmental Health Officers enforce health and safety at work legislation in a range of premises, including the following:

• Service sector businesses
• Retail outlets
• Wholesale outlets
• Offices
• Restaurants
• Residential homes
• Places of entertainment
• Recreational facilities

A brief guide has been produced for businesses, employees and their representatives for 'What to expect when a Health and Safety Inspector calls'.

These businesses are regularly inspected to ensure that they comply with current health and safety law. The frequency of inspection is determined by the risks found and confidence in management to control risks.

Enforcement Action
If during an inspection or as a result of an incident or complaint there is found to be contraventions of Health and Safety legislation the officer will bring this to the attention of the employer initially orally and if appropriate in writing.  On occasions employers may be issued with a statutory notice. Serious or continued contraventions may result in prosecution. Any enforcement action is taken in accordance with the Health and Safety Enforcement Policy.

Accidents
If you are an employer, self-employed,  or in control of work premises, you are required under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) to report certain work-related accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences. You can download a blank NI2508 RIDDOR form, fill it in and send it to your local authority.

Managing Health and Safety
Managing health and safety is essential even for the smallest businesses.  A work injury or disease can seriously harm not only the health or welling being of an individual but the financial viability of your business.

Protect your profit is a guidance document providing step by step advice for small businesses on a range of health and safety issues including risk assessment and writing a safety policy. To assist you in carrying out a risk assessment for you premises you can download a Risk Assessment Chart.

Health and Safety Information Leaflets by Business Type
Click below for important health and safety information for various types of businesses.

Bakery	Mobile Catering Units
Beauty Salon	Motor Vehicle Sales
Butchers	Offices
Catering Establishment	Outdoor Sports Grounds
DIY/Builder Suppliers	Petrol Stations
Electrical Sales	Public Houses
Funeral Directors	Residential Accommodation
General Retail	Swimming Pools
Hairdressers	Tyre and Exhaust Centres
Hotels	Warehouses

Health and Safety Information Leaflets by Hazard Type
Click below for important health and safety information for various types of workplace hazards.

Abrasive Wheels	Manual Handling
COSHH	Noise
Display Screen Equipment	Pesticides
Escalators	Play Areas/Equipment
Fork Lift Trucks	Pressure Systems
Hoists/Lifts	UV Tanning
LPG	Workplace Transport
Steps/Ladders	Welding

Contact:
Jill Boyd - Lead Environmental Health Officer
Environmental Health Department, Banbridge District Council, The Gatelodge, Linenhall Street, Banbridge, Co. Down BT32 3EG
T: 028 4066 0606
F: 028 4066 0651
E: jill.boyd@banbridge.gov.uk