Workplace Health and Safety

North Ayrshire Council’s Environmental Health Section is the enforcing authority for the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 in the following types of premises:

• retailing
• wholesale distribution
• hotel and catering premises
• warehousing consumer/leisure industries
• offices

Enquiries regarding health and safety matters in any of these premises can be made to Environmental Health.

Please see guidance on the relevant enforcing authority.

North Ayrshire Council is responsible for enforcing health and safety in just under 2,200 premises. This enforcement is carried out by:

• implementing a planned intervention programme based on the type of premises and the work activity undertaken
• investigating accidents and dangerous occurrences that are reported in terms of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
• investigating complaints regarding health, safety and welfare in premises
• providing advice on health and safety to employers, employees and members of the public
• working with the Health and Safety Executive, other local authorities and relevant organisations in the promotion of health and safety in the workplace

The main risk topics in places of employment can be found in the operational and sector specific guidance.

Guidance on the requirements of the law and how to comply is given to businesses following visits and requests for information. The main source of information is the Health and Safety Executive. Guidance can be found on subjects including:

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
• Asbestos
• Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
• Noise at Work
• Risk Assessment
• Stress
• Temperature
• Work at Height Regulations 2005
• Workplace Transport Safety
• Young people

• Health and Safety made simple provides an introduction
• Healthy Working Lives Scotland provides advice with compliance

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations - RIDDOR.