Fee for Intervention is effective and should stay, says report

The report concludes that inspectors at HSE have implemented FFI consistently and fairly since its start in October 2012. Contrary to popular belief, it also finds no evidence to suggest that enforcement policy decisions have been influenced by its introduction. The panel conducting the review was chaired by Alan Harding, professor of public policy at Liverpool University. Panel members included representatives of the GMB trade union, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Department for Work and Pensions. According to the authors, the professional approach adopted by HSE's inspectors has ensured any challenges raised by the scheme during its first 18 months were minimised. Evidence, it says, suggests that concerns voiced about FFI have not manifested themselves to "any significant or serious extent" and that "generally, inspectors and duty holders continue to work together in improving health and safety management". "Both HSE and the government believe it is right that those who fail to meet their legal health and safety obligations should pay our costs," declares HSE chair Judith Hackitt. "Acceptance of this principle is growing," she continues. "This review gives us confidence that FFI is working effectively and should be retained. "We will continue to monitor the performance of Fee for Intervention to ensure it remains consistent and fair."