Journey
Prepare for an HSE visit
What to expect from an HSE inspection. Covers types of visit, inspector powers, what they check, improvement and prohibition notices, Fee for Intervention, how to challenge, and what to do during the visit.
You are expecting an HSE visit
Whether you have received notice of a planned inspection, had a complaint made against you, or want to be ready for an unannounced visit, this journey explains what happens during an HSE inspection and how to prepare.
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Understand the type of visit
HSE conducts different types of inspection. Knowing which you face helps you prepare appropriately.
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Know the inspector's powers
HSE inspectors have extensive legal powers under Section 20 of HASAWA 1974. They can enter your premises at any reasonable time without a warrant, take photographs and samples, seize equipment, require production of documents, and question anyone on the premises. Answers given to inspectors cannot be used as evidence against the person who gave them, but obstructing an inspector is a criminal offence.
HSE enforcement: improvement notices, prohibition notices and prosecution
Full guide to inspector powers, notice types, appeal rights, penalties, and Fee for Intervention
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What inspectors typically check
Inspectors will assess whether you are meeting your legal duties. Common areas of focus include:
- Risk assessments: Are they completed, recorded (if 5+ employees), and up to date?
- Safe systems of work: Do your procedures match the risks identified?
- Training records: Have employees been trained and can you prove it?
- Equipment maintenance: Are inspection and maintenance records current?
- Accident records: Is your accident book maintained and have RIDDOR reports been filed?
- Written H&S policy: Do you have one (required at 5+ employees) and is it current?
- Employers' liability insurance: Is it in place and displayed?
Your duties as an employer under health and safety law
Review the full set of employer duties that inspectors assess against
Manage workplace risk assessments
Ensure your risk assessments are current and properly recorded before an inspection
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Understand possible outcomes
After an inspection, the outcome depends on what the inspector finds:
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What to do during the visit
Cooperate fully with the inspector. Assign a senior person to accompany them throughout the visit. Take notes of what they examine, what questions they ask, and any concerns they raise. If a notice is served, read it carefully and note the deadline. You have the right to seek legal advice before answering questions under caution, but you must not obstruct the inspector or refuse access.
Fee for Intervention
If HSE finds a material breach, they charge for all their time spent identifying the breach, investigating, and ensuring compliance. The current rate is £188 per hour (April 2026). You can dispute whether a material breach occurred through HSE's internal review process.