Tip-offs prompting more HSE inspections

Whistleblowing by employees and complaints from the public are leading to a significant increase in Health and Safety inspections it has emerged.

A Freedom of Information request submitted by a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) lawyer revealed a 43% increase in the regulator’s tip-off led inspections.

The HSE undertook 3,475 inspections based on tip-offs in the last year (year end March 31 2013) compared to the 2,429 inspections in the previous 12 months.

The HSE receives intelligence on possible Health & Safety breaches from a number of sources. These can include:

•    Whistleblowing reports from employees or union representatives
•    Complaints by local residents
•    Customers and suppliers
•    Insurance reports on workplace incidents

Commenting on the findings, David Edwards, associate solicitor at Harrison Drury, said: “The upshot of this is that businesses need to get their houses in order to ensure they are fully compliant with health and safety law.

“The best way for businesses to protect themselves against health and safety breaches, and potentially damaging HSE inspections, is to ensure they carry out early risk assessments across their business operations to reduce the chances of workplace accidents and injuries. Procedures and practices should be reviewed regularly to maintain compliance.”

David added: “Any business that finds itself at the centre of a HSE inspection should seek immediate legal advice to ensure any legal risks are properly managed.”

For more information on health and safety law, or any other regulatory and compliance matter, contact David Edwards on 01772 258321 or David.Edwards@harrison-drury.com