Health & Safety
In brief, the law says that: employers must look after the health and safety of their employees; employees and the self-employed must look after their own health and safety; and all employers and employees must take care of the health and safety of people who are affected by their work. Health and Safety at work is enforced by both the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and West Lothian Council's Environmental Health Team. The authority who is responsible for your business is determined by what the primary activity of your company is. Broadly speaking the Health and Safety Executive are responsible for businesses involved in Manufacturing, Agriculture or Vehicle Maintenance. West Lothian Council Environmental Health are responsible for service sector businesses including Retail, Hotels, Restaurants and Office Premises. For full details of the appropriate enforcing authority for all business types see the HSE A-Z Guide to Allocation. All places of employment need to be registered with either the Local Authority or HSE before opening (as appropriate). Businesses can do this online at the HSE Website. If you are starting a new food business, we have a downloadable information sheet covering the food safety aspects of setting up your business that you may find useful. You will also need to register 28 days before beginning to trade using the registration form.
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