Keeping Ipswich's Workplaces Healthy and Safe

Ipswich Borough Council has a legal duty to enforce the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and related legislation.

The Ipswich Occupational Health and Safety team is responsible for ensuring that work premises in the borough are safe for employees and visitors and that accidents are prevented wherever possible.

The main duties involve:

• inspecting places of work to ensure compliance with health and safety law, in accordance with government priorities;
• using educational techniques, as well as legal means, to achieve compliance;
• investigating accidents to employees or others which occur in workplaces;
• investigating complaints about health, safety or welfare in work premises;
• licensing particular premises such as skin piercing or sex shops;
• advising other council departments about health and safety at events that require Public Entertainment Licences, or at cinemas or theatres;
• working with planning and building control officers to advise on the health and safety implications of new developments;
• giving advice to customers and stakeholders on health and safety issues;
• working with other health professionals in Suffolk and across the country.

Our team will:

• carry out regular, and usually unannounced, inspections of workplaces;
• investigate relevant workplace accidents within one working day of being notified;
• respond to complaints about health and safety in workplaces within two working days;
• respond to requests for advice or information about health and safety within two working days;
• respond to letters or emails about health and safety issues within five working days;
• keep you fully informed of the progress made with your enquiry or complaint.

Help and advice

The following advice sheets outline key issues relating to Health and Safety at work:

• Advice Sheet 01 - Health and Safety Policy;
• Advice Sheet 02 - Management Responsibilities;
• Advice Sheet 03 - Risk Assessments;
• Advice Sheet 04 - Accident Reporting and First Aid;
• Advice Sheet 05 - Display Screen Equipment;
• Advice Sheet 06 - COSHH Assessment;
• Advice Sheet 07 - Manual Handling;
• Advice Sheet 08 - Musculoskeletal Disorders;
• Advice Sheet 09 - Equipment for Use at Work;
• Advice Sheet 10 - The Workplace Regulations;
• Advice Sheet 11 - Stress at Work;
• Advice Sheet 12 - Dermatitis;
• Advice Sheet 13 - Lifting Equipment;
• Advice Sheet 14 - Sunday Trading Information Sheet;
• Advice Sheet 15 - Asbestos Management Pack for Non-Domestic Premises.