FOI Request Reveals Financial Impact Of Fees For Intervention Scheme

Companies in the UK have been fined more than £5.5 million in the past 12 months as a result of the Fees For Intervention scheme launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it has been revealed.

A Freedom of Information request by ELAS revealed businesses across all sectors were fined the amount under the initiative, which was launched in October 2012 to ensure businesses foot the bill for HSE-related costs when they are found guilty of breaches.

It also revealed that manufacturing and construction were found to be the sectors which received the most fines, being accountable for 38 per cent and 36 per cent of fines respectively.

Wayne Dunning, lead health and safety consultant at ELAS, said the figures were surprising and urged companies to ensure they are doing everything they can to comply with regulations.

The FOI request follows figures by the HSE which revealed 148 workers were killed in accidents at work across 2012/13.

Expert Opinion

Through our work, we see first-hand how workplace injuries can have a huge impact on victims, often leaving them needing long-term rehabilitation and support to get the best from life. <br/> <br/>"While the main reason for encouraging and fostering a high standard of health and safety compliance in the workplace should of course be to keep workers safe, this research also shows the basic financial benefits of having policies in place to prevent workplace illness and injury. <br/> <br/>"Too many companies are making simple mistakes which mean that they face fines and leave their workers open to the risk of serious injury. This has to change and we hope that these findings prove to be a wake-up call for many employers."