» Back to listing Businesses charged more than five million under FFI

The HSE has fined UK firms more than £5.5 million for health and safety failings under its Fee for Intervention (FFI) scheme.

Following a Freedom of Information request, it has been revealed that businesses were fined a total of £5,532,565 for health and safety failings since October 2012. 

Under the Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012, companies that break health and safety laws are liable for fines to cover HSE-related costs, which include call-outs, inspections, investigations and taking enforcement action. According to the findings, the breaches ranged from slips, trips and falls to not providing enough toilets or washing facilities. The sectors that received the most fines were manufacturing (38 per cent) and construction (36 per cent), while at the bottom of the list were water and waste management (3 per cent) and agriculture (2 per cent).

In the first six monthe of FFI Inspectors issued 5,766 invoices. 60% of all HSE vists resulted in an invoice.

It should be noted that any fees paid may imply an admission of guilt in any subsequent action. Accepting an invoice for a material breach may also require declarations on future applications for work. Organisations are also reminded of their right to an explanation of the fees and to appeal.