Powers of Health and Safety Inspectors to Enter Premises

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, s.20

Warrant: No
Force: Yes
Notice: No

An inspector appointed under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 has power to enter any premises at any reasonable time (or at any time if there is a dangerous situation) to carry out inspections, investigations, and enforcement. Inspectors may require production of documents, take samples, and issue improvement and prohibition notices.

Conditions

Inspector must be duly appointed under s.19 of the Act
Entry must be at a reasonable time (or at any time if the inspector believes the situation is or may be dangerous)
Inspector may take with them a constable if they have reasonable cause to apprehend any serious obstruction

Limitations

Power is for regulatory inspection and enforcement: not a police power
Constable may accompany but the primary officer is the HSE inspector
Reasonable force may be used to enter if obstructed

Last updated 1 April 2026