Inspection
Stage 3: Conduct inspection

Assess likely personal risks and take appropriate precautions, by:

• being continuously alert to health and safety risks presented by the environment and activities occurring around you
• observing any rules operated by the dutyholder in relation to the health and safety or security of their workforce, contractors, visitors or business, unless there are exceptional reasons not to do so

Contact duty holder (or their representative) and explain (or confirm):

• your role
• how the inspection is to be conducted
• what it aims to achieve

Agree with the duty holder (or their representative):

• which members of management and staff can best assist in achieving the inspection objectives

Every effort should be made to contact at least one employee or safety representative as early as possible in the inspection visit:

• to explain the reason for the visit and how it is to be undertaken
• to provide them with the opportunity to raise health and safety issues, in private if they wish

Unless:

• previously agreed contact arrangements with local representatives, to reflect the different types of workplace inspected and the frequency of visits, have been made

Note: if a complaint against the dutyholder is made during these discussions it would not normally be classed as such and should be dealt with as part of the site visit

Is the inspection meeting its objectives?

At any time whilst on site, if actual risk of serious personal injury is identified:

• take the necessary immediate enforcement action

go to step 1.1 of the enforcement decision making procedure

Otherwise, gather information to achieve the inspection objectives and support subsequent regulatory decisions and update ratings systems, by:

• applying the chosen inspection technique(s)
• assessing the information obtained from observation, interviews and documentation
• encourage the dutyholder to deal promptly with the deficiencies found, particularly those requiring simple remedial measures
• decide if it is sufficient to meet the inspection objectives previously set (see step 2.1)
• applying knowledge and experience to judge management's control of health and safety risks and compliance with legal requirements and relevant benchmarks

During the inspection:

• a an inspector notebook must be used in all cases

When the inspection reaches the point where an enforcement decision should be made:

• apply the enforcement management model

go to step 1.2 of the enforcement decision making procedure

Inform the dutyholder (or their representative) of the inspection findings as follows:

• discuss the findings of the inspection
• clearly explain the remedial measures they need to take to secure compliance with relevant statutory provisions
• discuss and agree timescales for completion of some or all of the remedial work required
• explain the proposed action(s) likely to be taken by HSE in relation to the inspection

Whilst still on site:

• consider if any written advice should be provided to the dutyholder

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Inform any employee/safety representatives of:

• the outcome of the visit
• any action proposed and the reasons for it