Enforcement of health and safety legislation in the district is split between our Environmental Health department and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), depending upon the main activity of the business. We are responsible for the following types of premises

  • Retail premises
  • Warehouses
  • Offices
  • Catering
  • Residential care homes
  • Leisure activities
  • Customer services

Our Environmental Health practitioners

  • advise businesses about how to comply with their duties
  • enforce health and safety legislation and give advice in relation to the workplace
  • investigate accidents and official notifications (such as lift reports, pressure vessels or air receivers)
  • inspect and monitor skin piercing establishments to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, licensing conditions and byelaws
  • work in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive in tackling priority accident and disease reduction topics

Reporting a Health and Safety Issue

If you see something in a workplace that you think is breaking health and safety law and is likely to cause serious harm, you can report it. 

Report a problem to us

The quickest way to report a problem is to use our online form and when you submit it you will get an acknowledgement . If you can't use the form, you can phone us on 01926 456713 and we will fill in the form with you. Our lines are open Monday to Thursday from 8.45am to 5.15pm (on Fridays we are open from 8.45am to 4.45pm).

Before you submit the online form please ensure you read the information below under the headings Whistleblowers and Disclosure.

Before you get in touch

It may be possible to put some health and safety problems right without contacting us.

You could speak to:

  • the person in charge of the work
  • your employer
  • your union or employee representative

Whistleblowers

If you’re reporting a workplace health and safety issue, we need to make you aware of the protection that employment law gives you as a “whistleblower”, especially in relation to unfair dismissal and other potential detriments. You can find out more on whistleblowing from GOV.UK including the importance of the following the correct process.

Disclosing your details

We ask for your name and correct contact details to allow us to follow-up the issue but we will not disclose your name to your employer if you don't want us to. This is one of the questions you will be asked on the online form.

However, depending on the nature and circumstances of the issue it may be possible for your employer to guess that you notified us, particularly if you’ve already raised the matter with them.

Disclosing information you provide

Occasionally, with good reason, we are asked to keep photographs (or other documents) confidential. We will normally do so, but very exceptionally, when we consider it’s necessary to prevent the risk of serious harm, an inspector may need to release the information.

Local Authorities don’t cover all health and safety matters

Before getting in touch, you should check we're the right people to contact as there are a number of organisations that deal with health and safety. Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

The HSE is responsible for the following types of premises:

Full list of responsibilities for HSE and other enforcing authorities

Contact the HSE 

Registering your business

Since 2009, most new businesses no longer need to register with the local authority and the Health and Safety Executive.

Health and safety law poster

It is a legal requirement for employers to either display an approved health and safety law poster or provide each employee with an equivalent leaflet. Health and safety law poster and leaflets - free downloads.

Safer Workplace Better Business Initiative (SWBB)

The jargon-free Safer Workplace Better Business pack aims to help small businesses comply with their responsibilities under health and safety legislation. 

This is an opportunity to receive free expert advice on your health and safety management. If you are interested in this scheme and would like an officer to visit your business then please telephone (01926) 456717 or complete our online enquiry form or download the pack (3MB, PDF).

Nail bars and beauty salons health and safety campaign

The increased popularity of acrylic nail extensions, manicures and other treatments in recent years has seen a rapid expansion in the number of nail salons and nail bars opening in the district. The trend has triggered the launch of a campaign by Warwick District Council’s Health and Safety team with the aim of ensuring that all nail outlets are complying with health and safety legislation and that the working environment is of a good standard for technicians, clients and other employees working within the premises.

The council’s team will be visiting nail bars and salons in the district throughout 2017/2018, taking a close look at potential hazards including chemical safety, lack of ventilation and waste disposal. They will also look at cleaning, working procedures, infection control and maintenance of equipment and making sure that staff are adequately trained and are aware of the risks of the chemicals they are using including asthma, dermatitis, headaches and sore eyes.

Businesses failing to meet Health and Safety standards will be given an initial guidance letter, which will be followed up by an advisory visit. Enforcement action will be made if and when appropriate. The council has produced a special guidance leaflet to support the initiative, which will be distributed to businesses.

If you would like further information on this initiative please telephone (01926) 456717 or complete our online enquiry form.

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