The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Local Authorities (LAs) are the principal Enforcing Authorities (EAs) for Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA) in Great Britain. The primary purpose of the HSWA is to control risks from work activities. The role of the EAs is to ensure that duty holders manage and control these risks and thus prevent harm to employees and to the public.
Section 18 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA) puts a duty on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities (LAs) to make adequate arrangements for enforcement. The 'Standard' sets out the arrangements that LAs and HSE should put in place to meet this duty. All relevant Enforcing Authorities are legally required to meet their Section 18 duty.
Local Authority Circulars
Government strategy - Health, work and well-being - caring for our future (2005)
Making a difference - Judith Hackitt