Enforcement

Our emphasis is on prevention but, where appropriate, we will come down hard on those that put others at risk, particularly where we find deliberate flouting of the law. In doing this we are guided by the HSC's Enforcement Policy Statement [PDF 175KB] , which reflects the principles of the Enforcement Concordat, and the Code For Crown Prosecutors [PDF 335KB] . Society in general, law-abiding businesses and workers expect this of us. We have included examples of prosecutions where duty holders have flouted the law and/or shown reckless disregard for health and safety requirements. 

Firm, properly targeted and proportionate enforcement underpins the action we need to take to deliver the HSE Strategy. Our powers to take enforcement action amplify all that we do to deliver a sustainable, long-term reduction in occupational injury and ill health.

• HSC/HSE merger enforcement statement
  Statement specifying the terms of delegation of powers on enforcement issues to officials following the merger of HSC/HSE.
• Regulators’ Compliance Code
  HSE follows the principles of good regulatory practice.
• Section 18 microsite
  Section 18 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA) puts a duty on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Local Authorities (LAs) to make adequate arrangements for enforcement.