Regular readers of this column will know of the type of money-making schemes doing the rounds.
Following City of York Council's Trading Standards warnings to local businesses to be wary of approaches by companies requesting payment for registration under the Data Protection Act 1988, a new scheme to take money from businesses has emerged, this time focusing on health and safety obligations.
Our environmental health colleagues in the health and safety section are warning local businesses to look out for claims from companies demanding up-front payment for compliance with health and safety legislation.
Three organisations, The Health and Safety Enforcement Agency, The Health and Safety Compliance Agency and The Health and Safety Registration Enforcement Division, are demanding payments of up to £250 to provide "legally required" services or information. However, this is information which is already available legitimately from the Health and Safety Executive at a fraction of the price these companies demand.
In addition, scaremongering tactics such as threats of prosecution are being used to persuade businesses to purchase their publications
Local businesses are reminded that City of York Council environmental health officers, who also enforce health and safety laws, are always pleased to give advice to businesses on all aspects of health and safety, and there is no need to be afraid of approaching them.
Steve Adamthwaite, principal environmental health officer, advises that environmental health and trading standards also have a wide range of free leaflets which give valuable advice on all aspects of health and safety law.
Local businesses wanting advice or further information can phone Steve Adamthwaite on 01904 551525.
For advice on mailings about the Data Protection Act or to make an appointment to discuss any other consumer matter contact Trading Standards Consumer Advice team on 01904 551562. We are situated at 9 St Leonard's Place, York. Our email address is trading.standards@york.gov.uk
Updated: 10:27 Thursday, April 29, 2004
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