How we work

HSE operational staff

HSE's operational inspectors and Health and Safety Awareness Officers deal with a range of industries including the Footwear and Leather and industries on a day to day basis. They do this by a range of methods including:

• On-site inspections (announced and unannounced)
• Investigation of accidents and complaints
• Providing guidance and support at visits, by phone or at industry events
• Safety awareness days
• Enforcement where necessary.

HSE's Manufacturing Sector provides support at national level for the footwear and leather industries and for the inspectors who deal with them.

Our main responsibilities are to:

• gather intelligence
• agree industry standards
• support compliance activities to meet the Government's Revitalising H&S targets on reducing injuries and occupational ill health
• monitor the performance of the industries we cover
• support policy development and implementation.
• communicate with industry sector stakeholders, including trade associations and trades unions
• publish guidance in consultation with key stakeholders

Consultation is with the Footwear Industry Health and Safety Committee and the Leather Producing Industry Health and Safety Liaison Committee which are represented on TEXIAC, the industry advisory committee for the textiles, leather and footwear industries. Through TEXIAC, industry works in collaboration with HSE and the trade unions to improve standards in the industry. It also has an advisory role to the Health and Safety Commission. TEXIAC is currently working on ways of raising awareness of two particular problems: noise and manaual handling.

TEXIAC plays a partnership role in delivering the HSC's Strategy for Health and Safety. It contributes by leading the health and safety agenda for its member bodies, and by providing support and guidance for a hard to reach audience in a manner that avoids the perceived threat of enforcement.

• More about TEXIAC