What to expect from a health and safety visit

If you employ people, you may receive a routine or unannounced visit from a health and safety inspector. The inspector may be from either:

• the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI)
• the environmental health department of your local council

The inspector's job is to help you provide a safe working environment. They will also advise you on how to meet your legal duties.

A health and safety compliance officer from the HSENI may also visit you, instead of an inspector. Their role is very similar to that of an Inspector and they will also offer advice on how you can meet your legal duties. 

A small business advisor may also visit you but this will be at a previously agreed date.  They can help in the following ways:

• provide you with advice
• direct you to information sources

This guide outlines the health and safety inspector's rights and powers. It explains health and safety improvement notices and prohibition notices.

It also includes top tips to help you get ready for a health and safety inspection.