What the health and safety team do

We have the right to enter any workplace without giving notice. Sometimes we give notice if we think it is appropriate.

On a routine inspection, we would expect to look at:

• the workplace
• work activities
• management of health and safety
• ongoing compliance with health and safety law

A routine inspection can also take the form of a 'topic inspection'. This is where we inspect a number of areas with current significance in greater depth. We could visit following a complaint, accident or incident. We will offer guidance and advice to help you. We may also:

• talk to employees and their representatives
• take photographs and samples
• serve improvement notices
• take action if there is a risk to health and safety that needs to be dealt with immediately

When we have carried out an inspection, we will tell you about any items which concern us and need attention. We will issue a written report of the inspection and ask you to sign it. The report will:

• confirm the course of action decided on
• state if the advice or concerns are to be put in writing
• explain specific action that needs to be taken