I queried, 10/01/14, an HSE inspector definition of noise in the workplace following an inspection at a client premises. The query was by email to the HSE advice centre and a response was promised within 30 days. Today, 17/03/14, I had a response from the inspector involved in the inspection and improvement notice, "I need you to confirm whether you are a sole trader or a limited company." This is prior to him arranging a contact with a specialist inspector to deal with the query. Two things 1) why is my work status relevant? 2) why would the inspector involved be asked to contact me directly, surely the advice centre should deal with it? Geoff

Sorry Geoff, I may be excessively cynical, but I suspect the HSE want to know in advance whether the FFI invoice for associated cost recovery will go to the company (if Ltd) or to you (if a sole trader) once they have decided what the material breach might be.. And asking any question in the advice centre these days is always going to result in a database check and referral to the local inspector or most relevant specialist so they can identify material breaches involved, and pursue FFI... I really don't believe this was the intention behind FFI but I do believe it is the way things are going.

The answer is: A service order needs to be raised by the HSE to facilitate a specialist to contact the person who raised the query. To do this they need the correct legal entity of my business. Straightforward. and I suggest no hidden motives in that response. Still don't know why the original inspector is involved but maybe I'll find out later.