Health and Safety

Powers of Inspectors

The law gives inspectors a wide range of powers. They can among other things:

• Enter premises at any reasonable time (or at any time if they think a situation is, or may be, dangerous):
• Carry out examinations and investigations, take measurements, photographs and samples;
• Take possession of an article, and arrange for it to be dismantled or tested;
• Seize and make safe any article or substance believed to be a cause of imminent danger of serious personal injury;
• Require information and take statements from people they think can help an investigation;
• Inspect and copy documents;
• Issue improvement and prohibition notices and prosecute people and companies.

All inspectors authorised by West Wiltshire District Council carry an identity card bearing a photograph, which you may ask to see.