Posted By PBH Is this an enforcement role?

Posted By Hayley McBride Hi all, It is basically a role to ensure the smokefree regs are being complied with, so going to premises ensuring the correct signage is up, serving improvement notices etc. Hayley

Posted By PBH Hayley, I would be happy to look at your application and offer any advice and or constructive critisim. I am currently Lead OHS officer for a LA and have responsibility for enforcement of the Health Act. Cheers Paul

Posted By CFT MP We had a similar position advertised in our County and indeed it would seem that this was the complete remit. CFT

Posted By Hayley McBride Reading from the job spec there is also delivery of training as well, but really thats about it. Going round public premises and ensuring compliance.

Posted By MP CFT, et al As has been stated already, compliance is very high so I could not understand the rationale for full time enforcement work. If it's also checking on retail compliance then that makes a bit more sense. Have a good weekend all

Posted By PBH Hi all, Just to clarify up a couple of the comments made above. Many LA's were given funding to implement the Health Act and many chose to do this by employing an enforcement officer on temporary (12 -18 month) contracts. As the funding was a 'one off' and because compliance rates were initially high, contracts were not renewed in many LA's and the enforcement was taken on by EHO's / TO's etc. However, some authorities saw the benefit of having an additional officer (usually LA's with money!!) and it is the case that much of the work is now slanted towards health promotion in addition to the enforcement role. It is my experience that many of the officers who are still in post are getting involved in many other 'health' related areas e.g. healthy eating awards for catering premises etc. With regards to the high compliance rates, I attended a seminar given by the Department of Health (East Midlands Region) and it was stated that although the initial compliance rates were high in Eire, non-compliance became an issue in the 2nd year. It should also be remembered that enforcement falls to LA's for all smokefree premises, whether HSE or LA under the Enforcement Regs. Therefore depending on the location and size of the LA there could be 1000's of workplaces. Since I July 07 my LA has only had about 5 complaints, however proactive site visits for other reasons e.g. HS, FS & Licensing have clearly indicated that many businesses are flouting the Law, so there could be an arguement that a more procative approach is required. I won't go into my personal views on the legislation etc :) Hope this clears up some of the queries etc. Cheers Paul Half day to day so mine's an early Cider

Posted By Hayley McBride Hi all, A great thanks to you all for your comments. I have completed the application form for the second time and will let you all know how I fare!!. Hayley