An authoritative organisation that enforces health and safety legislation in the UK, including statute, approved codes of practice, regulations and guidance on work-related health issues.
Health and Safety Representatives
A person that has been appointed by trade unions to represent their colleagues in regards to various issues of health and safety in the workplace.
Health Surveillance
A process of observation that involves monitoring any early symptoms of work related ill-health in employees who may be exposed to certain health risks, such as hazardous chemicals.
Hearsay
Hearsay: Evidence of which a witness does not have direct knowledge from his own senses but which is based on what others have said. Hearsay evidence is normally only admissible in court proceedings to show that a statement was made, not to prove the truth of the contents of the statement.
Heat Exhaustion
A condition caused by excessive exposure to hot temperatures, usually caused by profuse sweating in warm, poorly ventilated working environments.
High Court
High Court: Court above the Circuit Court with full jurisdiction to decide all matters of law and fact. High Court judges – male and female – are normally addressed as “My Lord”.
Horizontal technical competence
Referring to conformity assessment tasks carried out by Notified Bodies covering all Medical Devices harmonisation legislation (Directive 90/385/EEC, Directive 93/42/EEC, Directive 98/79/EC)
Hypersensitive
An extreme physical response to particular substances or environments.
IIRSM
The International Institute of Risk and Safety Management.
Improvement Notice
A formal notice that is given by an authoritative health and safety body following a breach of law. The notice will state the committed offence, what action needs to be taken for improvement and the specified date by which it must be taken.
