What are charges for material breaches of legislation referred to as?

Fees for Intervention (FFI) refer to the charges incurred by businesses when regulatory agencies, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK, take enforcement action due to material breaches of health and safety legislation. The FFI system aims to hold companies accountable for compliance failures; if the HSE finds a breach that requires intervention, the company must pay for the costs of that enforcement action. This system is intended to encourage businesses to prioritize health and safety compliance, as they will bear the financial burden of any necessary regulatory inspections and interventions related to breaches.

The focus on FFI specifically highlights the response to violations that necessitate direct action by enforcing authorities, distinguishing it from other types of penalties or fees related to legal proceedings or non-compliance. This makes it a distinct and crucial aspect of occupational health and safety enforcement mechanisms.