20 April 2004 - Health and Safety Enforcement Scam Rears Its Ugly Head Again
In an earlier March news article published on this site, Mail Scams Alert - West Lothian, we warned you of a scam set to spread across the country. The scam has surfaced again. It now appears the same organisation presenting itself as though it is a Government health and safety organisation, in an attempt to obtain money, have targeted businesses in Surrey.
The method involves an organisation calling itself the Health and Safety Enforcement Agency sending letters to firms that demand a registration fee of £125 in order to comply with regulations under the Data Protection Act.
A logo similar to the genuine Health and Safety Executive is used and the letter also outlines a legal position and the penalties for non-compliance, according to the Epsom, Ewell and Banstead Post.
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and Surrey County Council Trading Standards are warning firms to be vigilant. Representatives of Reigate Council also urged firms who have been targeted by the scam to contact them on 01737 276420 or e-mail hsadvice@reigatebanstead.gov.uk
Again this scam is designed to force people into buying a very expensive health and safety compliance pack. There is no registration fee involved for most businesses. Although a poster and accident book, as mentioned in the letter, are required, these can be bought legitimately for a few pounds.
Update
The HSE has issued a press release this evening in which they state:
"Anyone receiving literature from any of these companies can ignore it; there is no legal need for anyone to buy literature or services from these companies".
Justin McCracken, HSE’s Deputy Directory General, commented:
“None of these companies is connected to HSE. Organisations should be very wary of any approach from these firms, or any company ‘offering’ similar services. All three firms use wording suggesting they are official enforcement bodies, but they are not.
“HSE never writes indiscriminately to firms seeking advance payment for services which it has not provided".
Mr McCracken went on to add:
“These companies are asking for significant sums of money, claiming they will send out information, much of which HSE provides free of charge”.
“HSE’s legitimate
Health and Safety Starter Pack is available to any business for £30. Not
only does the pack cost a lot less than the information provided by these
companies, but it is also the real thing.
“All organisations are required by law to register – free of charge – with
their enforcing agency, either HSE or their local authority in the case of
supermarkets, hotels and sports arenas, for example.”
The press release can be found here
