A person appointed by any enforcing authority (either the
HSE or local authorities) for the purpose of enforcing health and safety law.
Powers of inspectors Inspectors have the right to:
1) enter any
workplace without giving notice, though notice may be given where the inspector thinks it is appropriate;
2) take such measurements and photographs and make such recordings as he considers necessary for the purpose of any examination or investigation;
3) take samples of any articles or
substances found in any premises which he has power to enter, and of the atmosphere in or in the vicinity of any such premises;
4) require any person whom he has reasonable cause to believe to be able to give any information relevant to any examination or investigation to answer such questions as the inspector thinks fit to ask and to sign a declaration of the truth of his answers;
5) require the production of, inspect, and take copies of or of any entry in any books or documents which by virtue of any of the relevant statutory provisions are required to be kept, and of any other document which it is necessary for him to see for the purposes of any examination or investigation; If an inspector is of the opinion that a person is contravening one or more of the relevant statutory provisions or has contravened one or more of those provisions in circumstances that make it likely that the contravention will continue or be repeated, he may serve on him a notice stating that he is of that opinion, specifying the provision or provisions as to which he is of that opinion, giving particulars of the reasons why he is of that opinion, and requiring that person to remedy the contravention or, as the case may be, the matters occasioning it within such period as may be specified in the notice.
Information to employees or their representatives During a normal inspection visit an inspector will expect to check that those in charge, e.g.
employers, have arrangements in place for consulting and informing
employees or their representatives, e.g.
safety representatives, about health and safety matters.
An inspector will meet or speak to employees or their representatives during a visit, wherever possible, unless this is clearly inappropriate because of the purpose of the visit. When they meet, employees or their representatives should always be given the opportunity to speak privately to the inspector, if they so wish.
The inspector will provide employees or their representatives with certain information where necessary for the purpose of keeping them informed about matters affecting their health, safety and welfare. This information relates to the workplace or activity taking place there, and action which the inspector has taken or proposes to take.
