'Fee for fault' policy considered by HSE

The Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced that the body is considering rolling out a 'fee for fault' policy.

Judith Hackitt has said that HSE is looking to increase accountability by levying charges against those who create risks in the workplace.

Those companies found to be failing to comply with regulations regarding the health and safety of employees may be charged for the work HSE must then do in order to rectify the failings.

Companies across the country will be subject to HSE inspections, after which the 'fee for fault' levies would be decided upon. These new proposals are part of a cost-cutting drive by HSE as a result of a 35 per cent cut to its budget.

Ms Hackitt said, “We believe that this approach is fair and equitable and will be welcomed by the vast majority of businesses who are compliant and who see those who take short cuts as getting away with an unfair competitive advantage.

“Such an approach should be seen by businesses as a way of levelling the playing field. We do recognise that there will need to be safeguards built in to the process to ensure that such a scheme is transparent and open to scrutiny,” she added.

The HSE Chair also went on to say that the body was considering the idea of raising the fees it charges for its consultation and advice services, but confirmed that each of the proposals were still in their infancy.