Operators found guilty of flouting health and safety legislation will face an increase of up to £15,000 in fines and are more likely to receive a prison sentence under new rules which come into force next year. From January 2009, if someone is found guilty of breaking the 'Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974' they now face a potential £20,000 fine rather than the previous £5,000.
This is as a result of the new Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008, which was passed on 16 October, under
which imprisonment will become an option for nearly all offences, compared with the previous handful of offences. Judith Hackitt, chair of the Health & Safety Executive, points out that there are no changes to businesses' existing legal duties. "Good employers and good managers have nothing to fear. Our enforcement policy targets those who cut corners, gain commercial advantage over competitors by failing to comply with health and safety law, and who put workers and the public at risk."
Adam Carter, operations director for Lincolnshire-based WR Carter & Sons, which operates 12 HGVs, claims: "We do already have appropriate safety measures in place, but if people are getting things wrong, this will encourage them to quickly sort it out and avoid potential insurance claims."
Reed Business Information Limited.©2009
