The Fee for Intervention scheme will see the Health and Safety Executive recover costs from companies caught breaking the law.

It will start from October 1 with an hourly charge of £124 for HSE inspectors time investigating and taking enforcement action.

Gordon MacDonald, HSE’s programme director, said: “Confirming the date for the start of Fee For Intervention and publishing the guidance will give dutyholders clarity and certainty about the start of the scheme and what they can expect.

“We have worked with industry representatives in shaping the final form of the scheme and the published guidance explains how the scheme will work and what businesses can do to comply with the law and avoid incurring a fee.

“It is right that those who break the law should pay their fair share of the costs to put things right – and not the public purse. Firms who manage workplace risks properly will not pay.”

For the full guidance on the scheme click here