Surface Engineering - How we work

HSE is organised into a number of Directorates. One of these is the Field Operations Directorate (FOD) which consists of Operational and Specialist inspectors, Industry Sector Groups and support staff.

HSE Operational Inspectors

HSE has a large number of Operational Inspectors based in offices around the country who deal with health and safety issues across a wide range of work and work-related activities, including the surface engineering industries, through –

• on-site inspections (usually unannounced) to monitor management’s ability to provide and maintain a safe and healthy working environment with necessary welfare arrangements
• provision of guidance and advice eg at visits, by phone or letter, at seminars and other events
• investigation of injuries, ill health and complaints
• where necessary, enforcement of relevant Health and Safety legislation through Improvement/ Prohibition Notices and prosecutions
  Industry Sector groups

FOD has a number of Industry Sector Groups responsible for specific industries. The Manufacturing Sector covers the surface engineering industries.