Thomas Bolesworth

Accordingly, I take this opportunity to emphasise to all small businesses that it is the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety and welfare at work of all his employees. It is not sufficient only to rely upon advice and guidance given to by Environmental Health Officers or other inspectors charged with health and safety at work responsibilities. It is the responsibility of an employer to comply with all the requirements of health and safety at work legislation and all the regulations applicable to the particular business which is being carried on. This means that it may often be necessary for a small business to seek appropriate advice, perhaps in the first instance from a trade association or like body or from a solicitor, as to the requirements of the law in regard to health and safety at work in respect of the carrying on of its particular type of business.

In the light of the content of Relatives productions 16, 17 and 18, further consideration of the instructions given to Environmental Health Officers employed by Glasgow City Council as to what they have to do when carrying out health and safety inspections in relevant premises, including butcher’s shops is merited.