Video Course: Lesson 1

How To Avoid Costly
HSE Fines

Featuring insights from a leading health and safety expert, we break down the latest HSE enforcement trends, the most common compliance failures, and how you can proactively protect yourself.
Short, easy to watch modules
Created by compliance experts
Lesson 1: How To Avoid
Costly HSE Fines
Beginner
34min
7 Modules
Free Access
START LESSON #1

Lesson Structure

7 Modules | 33min 57sec total length
Module 1
00:00 – 02:58 | Welcome & Introductions
Overview of the session and disclaimer that it is not a sales pitch
Agenda and Q&A guidance
Introduction from Mark Lisco, Managing Director at Control Hub
Introduction from John Heslop, Principal Inspector at HSE
Module 2
02:58 – 07:09 | HSE’s Key Areas of Focus
Five priority areas for inspections: dust/respiratory, asbestos, manual handling, noise, health surveillance
Why health is now a major focus vs. immediate safety risks
The importance of risk assessments and monitoring
Statistics on workplace deaths vs. long-term health issues
Module 3
07:09 – 16:35 | What to Expect from an HSE Visit
Why most visits are unannounced
What inspectors look for when arriving on site
Who inspectors will speak to and how inspections are conducted
Documentation inspectors expect to see (LEV, scaffolds, risk assessments)
Why paperwork is especially critical during investigations
Explanation of Fee for Intervention (FFI) and when charges apply
Enforcement process: verbal advice, contravention letters, improvement and prohibition notices, prosecution
Module 4
16:35 – 24:58 | Common Workplace Risks
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS): exposure monitoring, training, and prevention
HSE perspective on vibration risks across industries
Dust exposure: controls, PPE, and importance of training staff
Common gaps between paperwork and actual workforce practice
Deep excavations: permits, shoring, photographic evidence, ongoing monitoring
Working at height: legal requirements, control measures, and why fatalities remain high
Risk assessments: why they underpin compliance and what HSE expects
Module 5
24:58 – 30:06 | Case Studies & Prosecutions
Lessons learned from recent investigations and prosecutions
How “reasonable practicability” is applied in enforcement
Examples of repeated dust failures and associated fines
Case study: council fined £60,000 for ignoring HAVS health surveillance results
Director liability under the Health and Safety at Work Act
The true costs beyond fines: investigations, FFI, remedial work
Module 6
30:06 – 32:46 | Staying Compliant
The Plan–Do–Check–Act model for compliance
Importance of training records, equipment logs, and monitoring systems
Paper vs. digital: why digital systems help inspectors and businesses alike
How digital records demonstrate a commitment to health and safety
Module 7
32:46 – 33:57 | Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks
Next steps: recording and slide deck will be shared
Contact details for follow-up questions
Final thanks and close of the session

FAQs

Will we get advance notice of an HSE visit?
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Usually not. Most inspections are unannounced so inspectors can see real-world practices.

What are HSE’s current priority topics?
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Health risks now lead: dust/respiratory (incl. asbestos), manual handling, noise, and health surveillance. You’ll still be asked about safety (work at height, machinery guarding, etc.).

Which documents do HSE usually want to see?
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Risk assessments and method statements, training and health-surveillance records, LEV thorough examination & test (within 14 months), scaffolding/temporary works registers & handover certs, inspection records, and evidence that controls are in place (e.g., photos, checklists).

Can HSE prosecute even if no one’s been hurt?
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Yes. HSE can prosecute on risk. An incident doesn’t have to have occurred.Fines, costs & liability.

Can directors be personally liable?
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Potentially. Directors and individuals can face action (e.g., under Sections 7 and 37 of the HSWA) if there’s evidence they knew of risks and failed to act.

Is digital record-keeping viewed more positively than paper?
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Inspectors value fast, complete, accurate evidence. Digital systems often make it quicker to demonstrate compliance and are seen as a sign of investment and commitment.

We’re a small business...do we still need written risk assessments?
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Legally, written risk assessments are required if you have five or more employees. In practice, having them helps you prove how you manage risks regardless of size.

What common pitfalls lead to fines?
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Great paperwork but poor practice on site; out-of-date LEV/scaffold records; weak supervision; lack of health surveillance where required; and no evidence trail (photos, checklists, sign-offs) to prove controls are used.

Lesson 2: Mastering HAVS
Management & Risk
Assessments

Get practical strategies for effective HAVS management, risk assessments, common
hazards to watch out for, and how to ensure
your business stays compliant.
12 modules
53 min
Intermediate

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