Health and safety at work

Complaints

I have concerns about health and safety issues at work, what should I do?

Talk to your employer, manager or staff / union representative to try to resolve the situation - these details should be listed on your company's 'Health and Safety Law' poster. 

If the problem is serious, or cannot be resolved internally, you can contact the Council who will advise and if necessary, investigate your complaint. We only reveal the source of the complaint if given permission by you: however, your confidentiality is always maintained.

Some examples of problems

My employer is making me pay for personal safety equipment:
The law requires Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should provided or paid for by your employer. In the first instance, Inform your employer of this, however if they continue to make you pay for your own PPE, please let us know.

Safety within my workplace is unsatisfactory. I have reported various matters to my manager but they just don’t care:
We encourage that you report this type of complaint direct to us for investigation.

The electrics in our workplace are defective:
We encourage that your report this type of complaint direct to us for investigation.

I slipped over at work and was injured. I was off work for a while and when I returned my boss refused to make the area in which I was working safer:
The law requires your employer to ensure the floor is not unduly slippery, and to keep it clear of trip hazards and in good condition. If you are made to continue to work in unsafe conditions we would encourage that you report the matter to us.

I took my child to an indoor play area and the equipment looked old and unsafe:
The owner of the premises has a duty to you and your child and must ensure the play equipment remains in good condition and repair. We would encourage that you report the matter to us.

I work in a warehouse around FLTs which are driving quite fast. They keep hitting the racking which is now damaged. Despite the managers aware of the damaged racking, it does not seem to get repaired for months:
We would encourage that you report the matter to us.

I don't get my daily rest breaks. In addition, I don't get paid annual leave:

You should contact the Employment Tribunals Service (link opens in new window) on 0845 795 9775 (enquiry line) or 0845 757 3722 (minicom).

If you need general workplace advice including about your contract of employment and working hours, more information can be found on the GOV.UK website (link opens in new window).