The Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012 came into effect in October 2012, and under these regulations, those who are found not to be compliant with health and safety laws are liable for recovery of HSE's related costs, including inspection, investigation and taking enforcement action.
Figures revealed that invoices for this period are approximately £100,000 higher than the first invoice run in October and November 2012, and included over 1,800 invoices, nearly 500 more than those issued during the first period.
Steffan Groch, Head of Regulatory at DWF, said: "The number of invoices is increasing at an alarming rate and it is now more likely than ever before that business owners will receive an HSE inspection that results in an invoice for the HSE's time." Groch added: "It is good to see that the average value of invoice remains relatively low at £474, which is equal to just under four hours. However, we are aware that there have been 89 queries raised in relation to the invoices issued where the recipient was unhappy with either the cost or the reason for being charged.
"Of these queries, HSE conceded and amended 26 of them in the recipients' favour. This figure is encouraging as it was feared that businesses would not challenge the invoices to avoid rocking the boat and attracting further unwanted attention from HSE."
