Offices, shops and railways

Employers don't have to register the factories, offices and shops in which their employees work with the relevant health and safety authority. 

This is because rules have removed the requirements to register under the Factories Act 1961 and the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963.

This meant that office and shop employers no longer have to complete the OSR1 form and register with their local Council.

These changes do not affect the registration or form filling requirements of other legislation.

Some businesses will still have to register and submit forms under other regulations.

This will depend on the type of business and the regulations that govern it. For example:

• Food and catering businesses must continue to meet food standards registration and other requirements, which local Councils enforce;
• Businesses producing, storing, using, and/or transporting substances defined under major hazard legislation, must continue to meet major hazard requirements, which the HSE enforces.

We would, however, be grateful if you will advise us if you have opened a new business in South Tyneside, so we can update our database and keep you informed of current legislation and guidance.