New business starter guide
This guide is designed to help you access key council business services, including how to report problems and get support with growing your business.
Health and safety at work
Health and safety enforcement is either the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the council, depending on the work activity.
We have a legal duty to enforce legislation around health and safety. Our regulatory health and safety team aims to ensure that work premises are safe for employees and visitors and that accidents and injuries are prevented wherever possible.
The team is responsible for enforcing health and safety in specific types of commercial properties. You can find more information about business health and safety.
Health and safety basics for your business
As an employer or owner/occupier of a business premises, you have legal responsibilities for safety policy and risk assessments. You can find out more from the Health and Safety Executive.
Health and safety poster
Employers have a legal duty to display a safety poster in a prominent position in each workplace.
What happens when a health and safety inspector calls?
The purpose of an inspection visit is to check that you are complying with health and safety law.
Inspectors have the right to enter any workplace without giving notice, though notice may be given on some occasions. The inspection visit will involve looking at the workplace and the work activities. The inspector may also wish to talk to employees and take photographs and samples.
Read further information on what to expect when a health and safety inspector calls.
Advice and training
The Health and Safety Executive's website is a comprehensive source of information that is regularly updated. You can use it to keep in touch with current campaigns and events.
Subscribe to free email news, updates, RSS feeds and podcasts by selecting the news tab on the HSE homepage. The website also provides free basic advice on health and safety.
Contact us
Our health and safety team provides free advice and guidance to businesses and individuals on their duties.
For business advice and guidance email ohs.regen@southwark.gov.uk.