Health and safety inspectors are authorised by the Social Security Minister to issue enforcement notices where it is considered, in the opinion of the inspector, that there is a breach of health and safety legislation.
Improvement notice
This notice is served where it is considered that there is a serious breach of health and safety legislation. The notice requires certain action to be taken to remedy the situation within a given timescale.
The notice will state:
- what you need to do
- why you are required to do it
- the date it must be completed by
The minimum period given to comply with the notice is 21 days which allows time for an appeal to be submitted.
Failure to comply with this notice can result in a fine upon conviction.
Prohibition notice
A Prohibition Notice requires the activity to cease with immediate effect. A failure to comply with the requirements of this notice can result in either a fine, imprisonment or both upon conviction.
This notice is served where it is considered that the breach involves, or will involve a serious risk of personal injury.
There is a system in place which enables this notice to be appealed against but the requirements of the notice stand until such time as the appeal is heard.
Your right to appeal
An appeal against a notice must be lodged within 21 days of the notice being served. Further information on this is available in the following leaflet and form.
Health and Safety Appeal Tribunal
Notice of appeal
A register detailing the judgment from appeals against notices can be viewed by contacting the Registrar of Appeals by email.
Details of notices served
Enforcement notices issued by the health and safety inspectors are published on the website on a quarterly basis.
The name of the company or individual on which the notice was served is omitted but brief details of the circumstances are included.
Details of enforcement notices issued
Health and safety visits and what to expect