Health and Safety Executive

The Department deal with all matters relating to health and safety in the workplace. With the exception of the domestic servant in a private household, the law covers everyone at work.

This means that, whether employed in a bank or on a building site, the law applies. It also extends to the self-employed and people in control of premises or operations.

Unlike the UK and elsewhere, The Health and Safety Ordinance is not full of detailed provisions which set out minimum standards, but rather it includes general duties which require that those covered do what is 'reasonably practicable' to ensure the health and safety of employees and others affected by their operations.

At present the Inspectors focus their inspection efforts on the high-risk industries, such as building and factories, but are also becoming increasingly involved in the service industries which are flourishing on the Island.

The emphasis of the Executive is to provide advice, information and guidance to employers to enable them to comply with the general requirements of the Health and Safety Legislation.

Our main objectives are to promote safe and healthy working practices and to improve standards of health and safety within the Islands.

Advice and Information

Guidance is available from the Executive, ranging from videos to information sheets, giving good practical advice on ensuring the safety and health of persons in specific areas.

A catalogue of videos, which are available on free loan, can be obtained on application and the Inspectors are happy to provide assistance in identifying more specific booklets, etc. Whilst having a role policing the Health and Safety Ordinance, the Executive is driven to promote safety in a way that will produce real benefits and save costs, both human and financial.

In addition to guidance, the Department sponsors specific training courses on safety related matters and is keen to identify new areas which will continue to improve the standards of health and safety on the Island.

For further information on Health and Safety matters please contact

The Health and Safety Executive
Commerce and Employment,
Raymond Falla House
PO Box 459,
Longue Rue,
St. Martins,
Guernsey
GY1 6AF

Telephone ~ 01481 234567

Facsimile ~ 01481 235015

General e-mail ~ hse@commerce.gov.gg

To order publications ~ hse.pub@commerce.gov.gg

R H Brown F.I.Q. M.I.O.S.H.
Chief Health and Safety Officer

Specialises in: Explosives, Construction, Diving and Ionising Radiation
e-mail - richard.brown@commerce.gov.gg

J C Colley B.Ed., M.I.O.S.H.
Health and Safety Inspector

Specialises in: Construction, Flammable Liquids and Gases, Education, Recreation
e-mail - jon.colley@commerce.gov.gg

B E Abel M.R.S.C.
Health and Safety Inspector

Specialises in: Agricultural and Horticultural Pesticides, Chemical Hazards
e-mail - barrie.abel@commerce.gov.gg

G Ingrouille
Health and Safety Technical Officer

Advice and disposal of unwanted Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Chemicals
e-mail - geoff.ingrouille@commerce.gov.gg

Mrs J Bourgaize
Administrative Support Officer

All general enquiries
e-mail - jean.bourgaize@commerce.gov.gg

These links may also be of assistance: The official UK Health and Safety website www.hse.gov.uk or HSE Direct a UK government/commercial partnership www.hsedirect.com