Until the application of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA 2000) - which came fully into force on 1 January 2005 - HSE's information policy was seriously restricted by section 28 of the HASAW Act.

In effect this meant that any information that the HSE obtained through the use of its powers (i.e by inspection or investigation) or that a duty holder was required to provide to it, could not be released unless:
- the person who gave the statement or information 'consented' to it;
- it was for the purpose of 'legal proceedings'
- or it was for the 'purpose of the function of the HSE'.

However, section 28 has now been ammended to the effect that when a member of the public makes a written request for information (including by e-mail), section 28 no longer applies - and instead the request for information must be dealt within under the FOIA 2000.

Section 28 therefore continues to apply if there is no request put in writing. The CCA is currently exploring with the HSE how the FOIA 2000 engages with requsts that bereaved families make for information and information in relation to this will shortly be put on the website

The vast majority of requests for information will however engage FOIA 2000. This section of the website allows you to read how this works. It is primarily geared towards those making applications for information to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), but will be of use to those interested in applying to other regulatory bodies and indeed government departments.

The CCA is interested to hear from you if you have made a safety related request. We have a special page in which CCA's own requests are set out.

Key Documents and abbreviations
There are a number of key documents that the information in these pages is based on. You can download them below