Enforcement agencies and regulators



The HSE and local authority environmental health departments are responsible for enforcing most health and safety legislation in workplaces. The appropriate enforcement authority depends on the type of workplace, as set out in the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998.



The HSE is responsible for enforcing work-related health and safety legislation in or on:


• factories;


• farms;


• building sites;


• mines;


• schools and colleges;


• fairgrounds;


• gas, electricity and water systems;


• hospitals and nursing homes;


• central and local government premises; and


• offshore installations.


Local authority environmental health officers (EHOs) generally deal with offices, shops and warehouses, as well as leisure centres and some places of entertainment, enforcing health and safety standards in:


• offices (except government offices);


• shops;


• hotels;


• restaurants;


• leisure premises;


• nurseries and playgroups;


• pubs and clubs;


• museums (privately owned);


• places of worship; and


• sheltered accommodation and care homes.


Other enforcement agencies are responsible for particular areas of health and safety and they often work together. For example, the police will be involved in investigations into road traffic accidents, and those into work-related deaths where there is an indication of manslaughter or another serious general criminal offence.



The Office of Road and Rail deals with railway safety, and local fire and rescue authorities enforce fire safety legislation in most workplaces. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency enforces safety at sea and the Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for aviation safety regulation.



The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency sets standards for driving and motorcycling, and ensures that drivers, vehicle operators and MOT garages understand and follow roadworthiness standards. It also provides a range of licensing, testing, education and enforcement services. The Office for Nuclear Regulation regulates the nuclear sector (including nuclear new-build sites) and is responsible for regulating the transport of radioactive material.