Manufacturing sites, hospitals and other similar potentially high-risk locations are covered by the HSE. Offices, warehousing, recreational and sports locations, together with hotels and other premises where large numbers of people gather, are generally covered by local authorities.
Enforcing officers have specific powers. These include the right to:
- enter premises at any reasonable time (if you refuse to let them in, they have the right to use police assistance to help them gain entry);
- inspect and investigate situations where they believe serious risks exist and/or legal requirements have not been met;
- take measurements, samples and photographs as part of an accident investigation;
- require an area or machine to be left undisturbed;
- seize, render harmless or destroy dangerous items;
- obtain information and take statements;
- issue Improvement and Prohibition Notices; and
- bring prosecutions against any person contravening health and safety law.
Visiting enforcing officers should be provided with any reasonable assistance they may require during an examination or investigation.