Regulators such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency (EA) may be required to give 48 hours' notice and clearly explain their reasons for entering construction sites. A new code of practice concerning powers of entry comes into force this month. The code forms part of The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. There are over 1,000 current powers of entry contained within UK primary and secondary legislation. The code gives guidance and sets out considerations that apply before, during and after powers of entry are exercised. These include guidance on the need to minimise disruption to a business and are intended to ensure greater consistency in the exercise of powers of entry. Powers of entry might be exercised by regulators to undertake inspections or search for evidence during an investigation. Section 20 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (the HSWA) provides HSE inspectors with a wide range of powers including the power to enter premises.
展开▼
