HSE - 14.09.2016

The HSE’s plans for 2016/17

Year’s view

The HSE Business Plan 2016/17 is more or less what you would expect in the circumstances (see The next step ). For the HSE the worst is probably behind it. It has endured the major scrutiny of a coalition government and followed demands to cut red tape, including reviewing and simplifying all the approved codes of practice. Most of this was completed by the end of 2015 so it now has a clear path ahead.

Budgeting

Year-on-year the HSE receives less money from the public purse, but the regulator appears to have taken this in its stride. In 2011/12 the government contribution was £228 million. In 2016/17 it will receive £141 million. To fill the gap it has increased its income sources, e.g. through the fee-for-intervention scheme inspectors’ time is charged back to businesses found to be contravening legislation. The HSE is also selling its expertise abroad advising businesses and government organisations outside of the UK as a fee-earning activity. Total income this year is expected to be £94 million. Savings are also on the cards through better use of digital techniques, streamlining activities and rationalising the use of buildings.

Inspections

Although the HSE may be looking to save money, it won’t be doing this by reducing the number of inspections. These are categorised as either reactive - in response to accidents or complaints - or proactive, e.g. the regular construction site blitzes or those targeted at higher risk businesses. Note. The HSE plans to undertake 20,000 proactive visits; the same target figure as in 2015/16.

Strategic change

Other plans set out in the Business Plan 2016/17 include: (1) a new strategy for tackling occupational ill health; (2) updated strategies for specific sectors such as construction; and (3) guidance to help employers reduce the amount of safety paperwork and focus their efforts on risk control. It will also be reviewing its communications with small and medium-sized businesses.

Note. Health will continue to be high on the agenda with at least three significant initiatives being planned. We will provide greater detail on these as soon as it’s available.

Better regulation

There are two items buried in the Plan which are especially welcome. One is the intention to introduce flexibility in the timing of annual gas checks. The current rigid requirements can create a nightmare in the rental sector where access to homes is not easy.

Tip. Until the change to legislation is made you must leave no more than twelve months between gas safety inspections at any domestic rental property under your control.

The second is a review of chemical legislation to make the duties more easily understood.

For a copy of the HSE Business Plan 2016/17, visit http://tipsandadvice-healthandsafety.co.uk/download (HS 15.01.03).