On Monday 1 October the Health & Safety Executive started charging £124-an-hour for its 'support' if inspectors visit and find action of any kind needs to be taken – from sending a letter to imposing Prohibition or Improvement Notices.

It is better than it might have been. When the proposal was mooted last year the plan was to charge £133-an-hour from April, but the implementation date was delayed and the charge has been reduced.  

HSE has for many years charged railways and the oil industry when it has felt the need to take action against them. Now, in the face of budget cuts of 35% imposed by the Government, it is extending the charges to all companies.

The charges can easily mount up to thousands of pounds, although HSE points out that companies can avoid all charges simply by complying with HSE laws and regulations so no action is necessary.

As it is likely to be less expensive in future to pre-empt HSE action it is hoped the charge will result in safer workplaces.

You can read more about the changes taking place in health & safety as the Government tries to ease the burden of red tape on business in the next issue of Natural Stone Specialist.