HSE Inspections: Not If, But When
If you work in UK construction long enough, you'll encounter an HSE inspector. They conduct thousands of site visits each year—some targeted at high-risk industries, some following complaints, and some completely unannounced.
Knowing what to expect and how to prepare isn't about gaming the system—it's about maintaining standards that keep people safe every day, not just when inspectors might visit.
Why HSE Visits Construction Sites
- Proactive inspections: Construction is a priority sector due to high injury rates
- Complaints: Reports from workers, public, or neighbours
- Accident investigation: Following RIDDOR reports
- Targeted campaigns: Blitzes on specific issues (e.g., dust, falls from height)
- New/notifiable projects: F10 notifications can trigger visits
What Inspectors Look For
HSE inspectors focus on serious risks, not minor paperwork issues. Priority areas include:
Falls from Height
- Edge protection on all open edges
- Scaffold condition and tagging
- Ladder use (or misuse)
- Fragile roof work controls
- Harness use where appropriate
Vehicle and Plant Safety
- Pedestrian/vehicle segregation
- Banksmen for reversing
- Operator competence evidence
- Plant condition and inspection records
Excavation Safety
- Support or battering of excavations
- Edge protection
- Underground services identification
- Access/egress from excavations
Structural Stability
- Temporary works design and inspection
- Demolition controls
- Safe systems for structural alterations
Health Hazards
- Silica dust controls (increasingly a focus)
- Asbestos management
- Noise and vibration exposure
- Welfare facilities
Documentation Inspectors May Request
Have these accessible (not buried in a site office cabinet):
- Construction phase plan
- RAMS for activities in progress
- Induction records
- Training/competence records (CSCS cards, plant tickets)
- Equipment inspection records (scaffold, MEWPs, excavators)
- Permit to work records (if applicable)
- F10 notification (if notifiable)
- Insurance certificates
- Accident book
What Happens During an Inspection
Arrival
Inspectors carry ID and will introduce themselves. They have legal powers to:
- Enter premises at any reasonable time
- Examine and investigate
- Take photographs and measurements
- Take samples
- Require areas to be left undisturbed
- Interview anyone
- Require production of documents
Site Walk
Inspectors typically walk the site observing activities. They may:
- Stop and question workers about their work
- Ask to see RAMS for specific tasks
- Check competence cards
- Examine equipment condition
- Take photographs
Discussion
After the walk, inspectors usually discuss findings with the site manager. Be cooperative and honest—trying to hide problems or argue will make things worse.
Possible Outcomes
No Action
If the site is well-managed, inspectors may simply leave with verbal feedback. This is the goal.
Verbal or Written Advice
For minor issues, inspectors may give advice on improvements. This isn't formal enforcement but should be taken seriously.
Improvement Notice
A legal notice requiring you to fix a specific issue within a stated timescale (at least 21 days). You must comply—failure is a criminal offence.
Prohibition Notice
Issued when there's imminent risk of serious injury. Work must stop immediately and cannot restart until the issue is resolved. Ignoring a prohibition notice is a serious offence.
Prosecution
For serious breaches, HSE can prosecute individuals or companies. Penalties include unlimited fines and imprisonment for individuals.
Fee for Intervention
If inspectors identify material breaches, you'll be charged for their time (currently £163/hour). This applies even without formal notices.
How to Prepare
Daily Readiness
- Ensure current RAMS are available for all activities
- Conduct regular site walks looking for obvious hazards
- Address issues immediately, don't wait for them to be "noticed"
- Keep documentation organised and accessible
- Ensure workers have competence cards on person
Weekly Checks
- Scaffold inspections documented
- Plant inspection records up to date
- Welfare facilities adequate and clean
- Edge protection complete
- Inductions current for all personnel
Briefing Your Team
Workers should know:
- Inspectors can speak to anyone—be polite and honest
- Know what work they're doing and where the RAMS is
- Have CSCS/competence cards accessible
- If unsure, get the site manager rather than guess
If Things Go Wrong
Received a notice? Take immediate action:
- Stop the relevant work if a prohibition notice
- Read the notice carefully—understand what's required
- Take photographs of current conditions
- Notify your insurance company
- Seek legal advice if considering appeal
- Implement required changes within timescale
- Document the improvements made
- Inform HSE when ready for re-inspection if required
You have 21 days to appeal any notice—but work must still stop for a prohibition notice even if appealing.
RAMS: Your First Line of Defence
When inspectors ask "where's the RAMS for this work?", you need an answer. Not a generic document from three projects ago, but a site-specific RAMS that workers have actually been briefed on.
DocGen helps you create job-specific RAMS quickly—so you're never caught without proper documentation. When your paperwork is in order and matches what's happening on site, inspections become much less stressful.