Your responsibilities for health, safety and the environment

Who ensures that health and safety and environmental law is being complied with?

The HSE or inspectors from your local authority ensure that the law on various aspects of health and safety is being followed. They are a useful source of information when you need help and advice on health and safety issues.

You can, for example, invite them to your place of business to help you with risk assessment procedures in relation to your particular type of work.

If you are uncertain about your legal obligations and duties, health and safety inspectors can also offer you guidance. They will be able to explain the legal requirements with which you must comply as well as offering best practice advice for your circumstances.

The HSE website contains a wide range of information, guides and leaflets and forms on various aspects of health and safety law. Read and download information on health and safety law on the HSE website, or call the HSE Infoline on Tel 0845 345 0055.

Your local authority inspectors can also help you achieve compliance with various aspects of health, safety and environmental legislation.

The Environment Agency works to protect and improve the environment in England and Wales. You can find environmental advice and information on the Environment Agency website, or by calling the Environment Agency Helpline on Tel 08708 506 506. Businesses in Scotland can read advice on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency website. Businesses in Northern Ireland can find guidance on the Environment and Heritage Service website.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) works to drive forward government policies on environment, food and rural affairs. They aim to create a better environment and achieve sustainable development. Find a wide range of information and advice on environmental and rural affairs on the Defra website.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Comply with key health and safety rules
• Comply with key environmental rules
• Who ensures that health and safety and environmental law is being complied with?
• Do I need to license or register my business?
• Make sure your business is properly insured
• Substances covered by health, safety and environmental law
• Activities covered by health and safety laws
• Maintain high standards of occupational health
• Health, safety and the environment in specific sectors
• Checklist: protecting health, safety and the environment
• Here's how my business approaches health and safety issues