What is Fee for Intervention?
Fee for Intervention (FFI) was introduced in October 2012 as part of the Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations. This cost recovery scheme allows the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to recover costs from businesses found to be in “material breach” of health and safety laws. Simply put, if an HSE inspector visits your premises and identifies a significant health and safety violation, your business will be charged for the time it takes the HSE to identify and help resolve the issue.
The Real Cost of FFI
Currently, the FFI hourly rate stands at £174 per hour (as of April 2024). This fee covers the inspector’s time for:
- Identifying and documenting the breach
- Helping you put things right
- Taking enforcement action
- Following up on progress
What begins as a minor compliance issue can quickly escalate into thousands of pounds in FFI charges, not to mention potential further enforcement actions such as improvement notices, prohibition notices, or even prosecution in serious cases.
Common Material Breaches That Trigger FFI
Understanding common triggers for FFI can help your business avoid these costly charges:
- Inadequate risk assessments: Either not having them at all or having assessments that don’t adequately address significant hazards.
- Poorly maintained equipment: Particularly where there are legal requirements for inspection and maintenance (e.g., lifting equipment, pressure systems).
- Insufficient training: Staff without adequate training for hazardous activities or using dangerous equipment.
- Unsafe work at height: This remains one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities and a common FFI trigger.
- Dangerous workplace transport arrangements: Poor segregation between vehicles and pedestrians or inadequate traffic management.
- Exposure to hazardous substances: Lack of proper controls for substances covered by COSHH regulations.
Practical Steps to Avoid FFI Charges
1. Ensure Regulatory Compliance
Develop a comprehensive understanding of which health and safety regulations apply to your business. Create a compliance register that identifies all relevant legislation and assign responsibility for ensuring compliance with each regulation.
2. Conduct Thorough Risk Assessments
Risk assessments form the foundation of effective health and safety management. Ensure your assessments:
- Identify all significant hazards
- Evaluate risks properly
- Include practical control measures
- Are regularly reviewed and updated
- Involve workers in their development
3. Implement a Robust Safety Management System
A structured approach to managing health and safety helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks:
- Document clear policies and procedures
- Assign responsibilities at all levels
- Establish regular inspection schedules
- Implement preventative maintenance programs
- Create effective communication channels for safety concerns
4. Invest in Training and Competence
Ensure all staff have the knowledge and skills to work safely:
- Provide comprehensive induction training
- Deliver role-specific health and safety training
- Offer refresher training at appropriate intervals
- Keep detailed training records
- Verify competence before allowing higher-risk activities
5. Monitor and Review Performance
Proactive monitoring helps identify issues before they become material breaches:
- Conduct regular workplace inspections
- Investigate all incidents, including near misses
- Track leading indicators such as safety observations
- Audit your safety management system
- Review performance at management level
The Value of Professional Health and Safety Support
While the steps above can significantly reduce your risk of incurring FFI charges, navigating the complex landscape of health and safety compliance can be challenging. This is where partnering with a specialist health and safety organisation like Kedleston Safety can make a crucial difference.
Kedleston Safety provides expert guidance tailored to your specific business needs, helping you not only avoid costly FFI charges but also create a safer, more productive workplace. Their team of qualified professionals can conduct compliance audits, develop comprehensive safety management systems, deliver specialist training, and provide ongoing support to ensure your business stays ahead of regulatory requirements.
By investing in professional health and safety support, you’re not just avoiding potential FFI charges – you’re demonstrating a commitment to protecting your workforce, enhancing your reputation, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of your business.
If you need any support your can contact us at support@kedlestonsafety