Operating throughout GB, HSE is organised into a number of Directorates of which the largest is the Field Operations Directorate (FOD). FOD is the main operational arm of HSE and consists of HSE operational inspectors based in regional offices who inspect factories and other workplaces, such as construction sites and hospitals. HSE does not inspect shops and offices as these are inspected by Local Authority Environmental Health officers.
HSE inspectors generally deal with a wide range of industries, including food and drink manufacture. Irrespective of the particular industry, inspectors look at how the main health and safety hazards are managed on a day to day basis. Inspectors do this by a range of methods including:
In addition to operational inspectors, HSE has nine specialist Sectors based around the country, each dealing with a different major industry at national level. Each Sector comprises inspectors who liaise with trade associations, national representative organisations, trade unions, other Government departments etc.
One of these Sectors - HSE's Agriculture and Food Sector - is based at HSE's Nottingham office although its staff work from various HSE offices around the country. The Sector has a national role and incorporates a number of Sections, one of which is the Food and Drink Manufacture Section.
