FFI Scheme sees enforcement notices drop but HSE inspectors not being lenient

Enforcement notices served by the HSE are down on previous years but this is not because inspectors are being more lenient.

Now, instead of issuing an enforcement notice, HSE inspectors are charging the work against the Fee For Intervention (FFI) scheme. This means that businesses are running up bills at the rate of £124 an hour.

The FFI scheme allows the HSE to charge for its inspectors’ time and has been running since 1 October 2012. A recent Freedom of Information Act request shows that since its launch the HSE has raised £5,532,565 from the scheme.

Adam Kaley, commercial director at Aegis, suggests that businesses retain a specialist to conduct a health and safety audit.

“Aegis’ health and safety professionals include former HSE inspectors. We can help to identify potential problems before the HSE inspector does when they call, and that can save money in the long term.”