Service FAQ questions |

main content Central Health and Safety Unit - FAQs

Can I use a mobile phone whilst driving?

The use of a hand held mobile phone whilst driving will be an offence from 1 December 2003 and applies to anyone driving a vehicle on the road. The offender will be subject to a fine of £30 or £1,000 if the matter goes to court. The offence is still committed if you use a hand held mobile phone whilst waiting at traffic lights or stuck in a traffic jam. However, it is accepted that in a large hold up where traffic is likely to be stationary for a long time you can use a hand held phone providing the vehicle is stationary and the engine is switched off.

Can I use a hands free phone?

The new law will not affect hands free phones but they are still a distraction to drivers and can increase the risk of accidents. Drivers still risk prosecution for failing to have proper control of their vehicle, or for careless or even reckless driving if the use of a phone affects their driving ability.

What should I do if the phone rings whilst I'm driving?

The simple answer is ignore it. Allow it to go to voice mail and when it is safe to stop you can answer it then, remember to switch off the engine or you will be deemed to be driving. Consider where you are stopping as you may be committing another offence ie stopping in a bus lane, or on yellow lines, etc. If on a motorway use a service station not the hard shoulder.

Are employers guilty of an offence if their employees use a hand held phone whilst driving?

The new regulations apply to "anyone who causes or permits any other person" to use a hand held mobile phone whilst driving. It is considered that employers would not be liable just because they supplied a telephone or because they phoned an employee whilst driving. However, employers would probably be liable if they required their employees to use a hand-held phone whilst driving and might also be liable if they failed to forbid employees to use such phones on company business.

I have a Health and Safety related complaint about the conditions at my child's school, what should I do?

First write to the head teacher, as the person in charge of the school, about your concerns. If your concern(s) are not addressed by the head teacher there is a formal complaints procedure for LEA Schools. If your child's school is not LEA controlled then you should write to the governors of the school as the employer. You may also contact the Health and Safety Executive on their website for general advice http://www.hse.gov.uk.

Am I entitled to a free eyesight test if I work on a PC?

If you are identified as a user of a PC your employer has a duty to ensure the provision of appropriate eye or eyesight test on request. You must check what your employer's local arrangements are for both eye or eyesight test and in certain cases the provision of free glasses specifically for DSE/PC use.

I wish to complain about unsafe construction work.

Construction work is not enforced by the council. If the work is being carried out on behalf of the council we will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action. If the work is being carried out on behalf of a commercial or domestic client please contact the Health and Safety Executive direct on their website  http://www.hse.gov.uk.

Can I get Health and Safety leaflets from you?

Central Safety Unit tend only to keep single copies of leaflets relevant to the health, safety and welfare of Bromley’s staff and related work undertaken by contractors on behalf of the Council. There are various free leaflets available from Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which can be downloaded from their web site www.hse.gov.uk or by contacting the HSE Info line on 08701 545500. You can also order free leaflets and priced documents via their web site using your credit/debit card at HSE Books www.hsebooks.co.uk.

Is there a minimum working temperature?

Yes, 16°C for office work, a slightly lower temperature is permitted where heavy manual work is undertaken or where fresh food is stored ie a cold storage facility.

Central Health and Safety Unit - FAQs (continued)

Central Health and Safety Unit - FAQs (continued)