FDF response to HSE
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October 2011
FDF response to HSE proposal for extending cost recovery
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) consultation on extending cost recovery is
significant as it represents the first major structural change to the UK health
and safety process since the imposed 35% cut to the HSE's budget in the 2010
spending review.
The proposals set out by the consultation look to implement a charge out 'fee
for intervention' which would be applied to the administrative costs associated
with any HSE inspection of a business that results in a breach of health and
safety law. The fees are designed to recover the costs of an inspection and
essentially provide a new source of revenue.
Our submission points out the 'fee for intervention' charge out rate would far
exceed the costs associated with any inspection therefore making the scheme
profitable. We also indicate the negative effects the scheme would have on
improving
health and safety particularly in small and medium sized companies and
reinforce
the need to maintain support and guidance for those companies that are in
breach
of health and safety law.
We propose that a fee for intervention should be replace by mandatory HSE
courses, guidance or training chargeable at commercial rates to ensure a more
supportive and collaborative approach to preventing the re-occurrence of
breaches.
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Last reviewed: 03 Feb 2012