The second charging period under the FFI scheme saw a sharp rise in recoverable charges; up by £100,000 on the previous period.  The HSE raised £857,000 from 1,807 invoices; which was 500 more invoices issued.

A large increase was experienced by the Manufacturing sector which accounted for 43% of the invoices issued, the next biggest was the construction sector.  The figures published show that the average value of invoices is £474.  They also show that 89 queries were raised against the invoices issued and that for 26 the HSE amended the invoice in favour of the recipient.

Other information has shown that in the past 12 months there has been a large rise in the number of inspections by the HSE which have followed up on tip-offs.  It shows that 3,475 inspections, a rise of 43%, were due to tip offs (such as from employees and unions).

Clearly, having a disgruntled workforce may well now cost your business in its balance sheet if the HSE do come visiting; just another reason why its important to get health and safety right.

Businesses are being warned that although it is sometimes easy to see health and safety as a cost burden and an opportunity to cut costs, this could prove a costly mistake.  These figures above clearly demonstrate the HSE is becoming more proactive in looking into possible health and safety breaches.