Our objective is to ensure that businesses comply with their legal and moral obligations to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and the safety of contractors and the public where work activities may pose a risk to their health safety.
Every year, hundreds of people are killed, with several hundred thousand suffering from injuries and illness through work related activities. In addition to the personal loss and suffering this can incur, there are huge monetary losses through time off work and material damage, much of which is not covered by insurance.
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 is the principal piece of legislation dealing with the health and safety of people at work. Argyll and Bute Council’s Environmental Health Service enforces this legislation in places such as shops, warehouses, offices, places used for leisure and consumer services, hotels, restaurants and churches. Officers have to consider not only the health and safety of workers but also members of the public who can be affected by work activities.
Our objective is to ensure that businesses comply with their legal and moral obligations to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and the safety of contractors and the public where work activities may pose a risk to their health safety.
As well as inspections officers carry out accident investigations and provide advice and support to businesses. You can view our Health and Safety Policy and Procedures online.
Both the Council and HSE will report serious breaches of health and safety law to the Crown Office for prosecution. Prosecution decisions are taken by the Crown Office, not the Council.
The Council also keeps a register of its own health and safety prosecutions.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website provides a list of organisations concerned with specific health and safety information, in addition to international contacts. If your business is located outside Argyll and Bute, please contact your local authority for further advice.
For further information please contact us or contact your area office.