Information on health and safety, working time regulations and Sunday trading
Health and Safety legislation
Enforcement of health and safety legislation is split between the local authority and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
You can get information and guidance on a number of topics including:
- risk assessment
- asbestos (not in domestic premises)
- accidents
- COSHH
- slips and trips
- work at height
- electricity
- workplace transport
- first aid
- noise
- stress
- occupational disease
Please visit the HSE's website. You can download information leaflets, example risk assessments and example forms.
The following link provides basic advice on requirements under health and safety law for small businesses Health and Safety Made Simple: The basics for your business (hse.gov.uk).
Working Time Regulations
Our Health and Safety Team is responsible for enforcing parts of the regulations, which includes:
- the maximum weekly working time limit - find more on the GOV.UK website
- night work limits - find out more on the GOV.UK website
- health assessments for night workers
Young workers
A young worker is anyone under the age of 24. If you're an employer, you can find advice on how to support young workers in the Acas young workers guide.
If you've got a query about a young worker, we can help. But if your enquiry relates to child employment (any person not yet over compulsory school age), please contact Norfolk County Council.
Who to contact
If you've got an enquiry about Working Time Regulations you'll first need to submit this to Acas, (the Arbitration, Conciliation and Advisory Service). Acas will be able to help employers and employees who are seeking information on:
- time off
- rest breaks
- paid annual leave
- general employment information
For all queries about employment rights, best practice and policies, and resolving workplace conflict, use the Acas Helpline Online. Or you can contact them on 0300 123 1100 (Monday to Friday 8:00am until 6:00pm).
Depending on your work place and sector of work, health and safety enforcement responsibilities are split between:
- local authorities
- The Health and Safety Executive
- other bodies
Sunday Trading
Currently large shops can open for a maximum of six hours, between 10am and 4pm. Shops must clearly display their hours so they are visible inside and outside the shop.
Small shops are not covered by the legislation and can open freely.
Some premises are exempt, this includes:
- farm shops selling primarily their own produce
- shops in railway stations, airports, or ships
- sale of motor and cycle accessories
- registered pharmacies
- petrol filling stations