Issue - meetings

Cabinet was advised that Council had a duty to enforce the Health and Safety at Work Act in local businesses and that traditionally this was done through enforcement. Following on from the Cutting Red Tape Challenge and in order to reduce the burden on smaller businesses, this enforcement approach was changed. Officers were no longer required to carry out routine inspections for Health and Safety but they now have to look at other targeted interventions in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive’s Enforcement Policy, Code and Guidance.

In order to reflect this new approach, the Public Protection Team worked with Medway and other Kent Authorities to draft the proposed Policy. This Policy lays out to the businesses the approach that was now going to be taken by Council to health and safety enforcement and other options available to Council. Adopting this policy would ensure a consistent approach across Kent.

It is also important for Members to note that this policy would also offer the more informal contact between officers and businesses where information and advice is given to businesses.

Councillor K. Gregory and Councillor Game spoke under Council Procedure Rule 24.1. Councillor L. Fairbrass agreed to take on board comments and suggestions from Members.

Councillor Fairbrass proposed, Councillor Brimm seconded and Cabinet approved the Health and Safety Enforcement Policy.