HSE too busy to investigate serious and illegal incidents

[Driver101]

A company has a ridiculous health and safety record. Multiple very serious accidents, incidents, and exposures. It is very likely that some of the episodes will have long-term damage, illness and injuries to employees.

There is cast iron evidence and multiple witnesses to every incident.

The company have knowingly failed to report incidents, accidents, and exposures to HSE even though they are fully aware it is a legal requirement.

On reporting this to HSE, they say they are far too busy to investigate.

Is this normal?

Have HSE got an official complaints procedure, or is that a waste of time?


HSE post regularly on the social media about they have taken companies to court and gained convictions for far less. It surprises me just how little interest and desire they have about this case.

[JoshSm]

Option 1

https://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/regulatory-complain...

Option 2, try the press eg. a journo via Twitter etc. Certain outlets love a juicy story like that, makes great filler.

[Mercury00]

I reported the company I work for a few months back. HSE did take a while to act (weeks, not months), but when they did act the process thereafter was quite swift. They kept me up to date via email, and the company had to pay around £50k for various infringements.

[pghstochaj]

Definitely not normal. I work in large construction and have seen two sites (with 500-1000 workers) shutdown within days of concerns being raised to the HSE. A colleague also has reported two roofing contractors working unsafely opposite our office and the HSE attended within 24 hours on both occasions. It’s now a company joke that nobody can get their roof repaired due to the watchful eye of Nick.