Which industries have waste responsibilities dictated by the Health and Safety Executive?

Every business, no matter its size or industry sector, has a duty of care to uphold a good standard of health and safety at work. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a key regulator in this area providing the advice, information and guidance needed to encourage and enforce health, safety and welfare within the workplace. The public body also ensures compliance with the latest health and safety laws, developing the policies, practices and procedures that help manage risk and safeguard workers.

Waste management is a vital part of the health and safety puzzle, with organisations governed by a strict code of ethics and industry-specific duties. But, which sectors have waste responsibilities dictated by the HSE?

Who is overseen by the HSE?

Contrary to popular belief, the waste responsibilities of every organisation aren’t dictated by the Health and Safety Executive. In fact, it is primarily the waste management and recycling industries that fall under the remit of the HSE.

HSE guidelines cover the collection, sorting and processing of waste as well as the recovery and treatment of more specialist materials, including the biological treatment of organic matter and thermal processing. Landfill is another part of the waste management cycle that is overseen by the HSE.

Waste management companies may become subject to HSE inspection due to investigation into an accident or complaint, with enforcement procedures following where necessary.

…and who isn’t?

If you are a business looking to fulfil your waste management responsibilities, there is more guidance to follow and legislation to fulfil. Any issues within this area however aren’t dealt with by the Health and Safety Executive, but your local authority. Businesses with offices, warehouses or retail premises follow similar procedures when handling health and safety, including any safety issues surrounding waste management and recycling.

Environmental nuisances, such as waste-related odour, noise or infestation, should also be handled by your local authority’s Environmental Health department.

For waste management companies looking to establish a waste or recycling facility, the local authority in which the site will reside and the Environment Agency would need to be consulted for siting, permission and further support.

Need support with your business waste?

Getting the advice and assistance to manage business waste is just a click away. Here at Everflow, we direct you to the waste management companies that can help, whether you require simple disposal or a more complex waste management and recycling program.

We’ll assess your needs to establish the type and volume of waste you are looking to manage, and the frequency of collections. Other services like waste audits, education and training, and specific recycling programs can also be accessed to ensure you obtain the efficiency, reliability, safety and compliance required to get the job done!