Health and safety watchdog is accused of impartiality over fees
THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the body responsible for ensuring businesses stick to strict guidelines and protect their employees, is accused of impartiality over the fees it charges to UK companies.
The fee for intervention scheme allows the HSE to charge businesses that breach its code, with few challenging the payments. Laura Cameron, a partner at legal firm Pinsent Masons, said the fees could be construed as an “incentive” for inspectors to step up their checks to bring in extra cash. The claims come as inspections by the HSE rose by six per cent last year.
Cameron added: “Questions have been asked about the HSE’s seeming lack of impartiality. This potentially leaves businesses feeling there is no point in going to the extra expense of challenging an unfair decision or excessive costs since the dice appear to be loaded against them.” HSE said there is no evidence to suggest the fees have boosted inspections.