HSE starts operating Fee for Intervention cost recovery scheme

The Health and Safety Executive has begun operating its new cost recovery scheme, Fee for Intervention (FFI), from the beginning of this month.

The scheme means that those who break health and safety laws will be liable for recovery of the watchdog’s related costs. These will include inspection, investigation and taking enforcement action.

The HSE has produced guidance on FFI, which was brought in through the Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012. This can be viewed here. 

The guidance sets out how FFI fits with the HSE’s approach to enforcement. It also contains examples of material breaches where the recovery scheme would apply.

“The many businesses that comply with their legal obligations will continue to pay nothing,” the watchdog said, adding that it would help create a level playing field between those who comply and those who do not.

Geoffrey Podger, the HSE's chief executive, said: "The most basic safety mistakes in the workplace can devastate lives and result in real costs to industry. It is right that those who fail to meet their legal obligations should pay HSE's costs rather than the public purse having to do so."