HSE proposes to slash inspections by 1/3

The Health & Safety Executive is proposing to slash the number of proactive inspections it carries out in light of its 35-per-cent cut in government funding.

The BBC obtained a letter in which the HSE’s chief executive reportedly outlines plans to reduce the safety watchdog’s inspections by a third.

Three high-hazard sectors – nuclear, offshore and chemicals – will be protected from any proposed cuts, the letter is reported to state. However, the letter also outlines the industries where proactive inspections could be entirely withdrawn.

Some of those industries under consideration pose “significant risk”, yet the letter describes inspections in these industries as not “necessary or useful”. In some other cases, the letter suggests that the “relative cost-effectiveness” of carrying out unannounced visits could warrant halting such activity in the future.

The letter is also said to propose replacing face-to-face contact by inspectors with more Web-based initiatives.

Asked about both the letter and the proposals outlined in it, an HSE spokesperson said: “Discussions are ongoing on future ways of working and a final decision has not been reached – it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.”

Last month, the HSE carried out a blitz of construction sites across the country, with a high proportion visited found to be unsafe. Construction workers’ union UCATT believes the plans, if followed through, are a blueprint for a rise in workplace injuries and deaths.

The head of a health and safety team at working in a major law firm said the HSE has not had the resources to carry out spot-checks across businesses in all sectors for some time, and that the proposal will mean the present focus of inspectors on organisations in high-risk industries will continue.

However, he warned that the impact of fewer inspections could also indirectly hinder the HSE’s advisory capabilities. He said: “The HSE was established to advise employers on health and safety law, as well as to enforce the law. With fewer inspectors and resources available, the concern is that the support function within the HSE is being eroded to the detriment of everyone.”