The Real Cost of Fees for Intervention
5 March 2013
We are beginning to see the results of the HSE's Fee For Intervention (FFI) cost recovery scheme, which came into effect on 1 October 2012. Under The Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012, those who break health and safety laws are liable for recovery of HSE's related costs, including inspection, investigation and taking enforcement action.
For some this has been a costly introduction, not just the fees themselves but the damage to reputations and an increase in insurance costs. Additionally, as the fee is based on the amount of time the inspector has to spend identifying the breach, helping the company put it right and any subsequent investigation and enforcement actions, the fees can be considerable. The estimated costs include £750 per letter and £1,500 per notice but HSE's time spent is also chargeable and, in some cases, can be extensive.
If an FFI case goes to court and you are acquitted you will not be recompensed for your costs. It would be a good idea to make sure that, in the event of prosecution; you have sufficient cover for any legal costs. This may well include your senior directors too as they are often prosecuted alongside the company.
So how can you avoid excessive costs? First, make sure you have systems and process in place to support good health and safety practices. Health and safety strategy is lead from above and can reduce overall costs, as well as ensuring you do all you can to support your workers.
The team here at Ai Solutions can assist in this process; we have best of breed systems that will aid you in ensuring you comply with the law. Whether this is CDM or Asbestos related, we consider that compliance is key to ensuing better health and safety processes. We also have collaborative partnerships in place with other software providers and organisations that can benefit your organisation, including vendor assessment, waste management, O&M documentation authoring and approval as well as a team of professional CDM-C's to support your CDM related activities.
If you would like an informal chat with us, or to find out further information, please give a member of the team a call on 01525 850080 or email us on info@aisolutions.co.uk