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Roles Responsibilities and Powers of Environmnetal Health Officers
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matelot1965  
#1 Posted : 11 October 2015 19:31:31(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
matelot1965
Hi Everyone,

I wonder if anyone can lend a hand. I am after some teaching resources specifcally in respect of the roles,responsibilities and powers of environmental health officers. I think they maybe similiar to that of HSE inspectors in some respects but not all

Thanks in advance

Derek
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bob youel  
#2 Posted : 12 October 2015 08:02:42(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bob youel
Talk to your local EHO's as they will give U everything U need

NB: EHO's are under tremendous financial and especially political pressure nowadays and most of the old school [similar to the HSE] have gone - after working with them I do not envy them at all especially the younger ones
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RayRapp  
#3 Posted : 12 October 2015 08:38:15(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp
Derek

The link below should answer your questions.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/laU/index.htm

Ray
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Xavier123  
#4 Posted : 12 October 2015 09:26:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Xavier123
Is this just in relation to h&s powers etc.?

EHO's have essentially identical h&s powers to HSE inspectors but the Enforcing Authority regulations govern which authorities enforce in which industries/activities. That's not the same as the LA having the same powers as the HSE though.

However...EHO's may be authorised under several other statutes such as Public Health, Env. Prot. Act etc. which grant them additional powers which may be of relevance.
e.g. under Public Health Regulations there are powers for EHO to enter ANY premises (including HSE enforced) to sample and/or order disinfection if there is a risk to health. Such things could be used at cooling towers at chemical plants or manufacturing facilities.

I'm not sure there is a convenient list or teaching resource for all though as each discipline (much like HSE) is usually led by a separate government department or organisation.
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John D C  
#5 Posted : 12 October 2015 11:48:13(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
John D C
There are some differences with respect to health and safety enforcement. EHO's cannot enforce S.6 HASAWA it is the responsibility HSE. EHO's cannot prosecute like an HSE Inspector can. They have to use a solicitor from their authority or an authority approved one. EHO's can issue cautions similar to the police caution used when it is deemed not viable to go to court but need to do something to forcibily warn the person about their future behaviour. HSE cannot issue cautions.

As stated in previous replies if you need more than health and safety talk to an EHO or contact there institution www.cieh.org.uk
Take care
JohnC
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chris42  
#6 Posted : 12 October 2015 11:55:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42
EHO = no FFI at moment
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Xavier123  
#7 Posted : 12 October 2015 13:51:31(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Xavier123
Howdy JohnC

Not sure that your comments are quite accurate - although totally reflective of what goes on in practice. Its gonna sound picky but...

HSE can issue formal cautions, they just don't like to.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/en...n/approving-cautions.htm


Additionally, if an LA decides to authorise an EHO under s.39 then they're good to go on prosecuting on their own behalf. Its just that, as you say, they have their own solicitors and I can't imagine many would have the competence or that many LA's would give them the power in reality.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/laU/lacs/22-8.htm



HASWA inspector powers are HASWA powers (you're authorised to use them or you're not) but as highlighted - its their role and their application in practice that differ due to Enforcing Authority regs, multiple LA / HSE strategies and, of course, FFI!
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matelot1965  
#8 Posted : 12 October 2015 21:01:41(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
matelot1965
Hi Guys,

Very many thanks for your replies. I think Xavier has given me all the information I need. Essentially the question is in relation just to H+S powers as it is a H+S course for engineers at level 3 that I am teaching. However I will expand on what Xavier has said in relation to their powers under other statutes. As the course is at level 3 it really does not have to be that deep and complicated.

Thanks once again guys for taking the time to respond

Derek
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