Health and Safety Executive

Enforcing health & safety

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HSE's emphasis is on preventing death, injury and ill-health in Great Britain's workplaces. But we will come down hard on people who put others at risk - particularly where we find deliberate flouting of the law.

How HSE enforces health and safety

In carrying out its enforcement role, HSE follows these internal operational procedures;

How HSE works with the law

Enforcement Guides

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The Enforcement Guide provides legal guidance to HSE staff in respect of their enforcement powers and duties. It will also be useful to other health and safety enforcement agencies.

Regulators’ Compliance Code

HSE follows the principles of good regulatory practice.

Visit the Better regulation site

Section 18

Section 18 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA) puts a duty on the HSE and Local Authorities (LAs) to make adequate arrangements for enforcement.

Visit the Section 18 website


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