Tougher health and safety penalties to become law
October 1st 2008 The Health and Safety Offences Act has received Royal Assent spelling increased penalties and greater sentences for those who flout health and safety legislation. It received Royal Assent on 16 October 2008 and will come into force in three months time, in January 2009.
The Act raises the maximum penalties that can be imposed for breaching health and safety regulations in the lower courts from £5,000 to £20,000 and the range of offences for which an individual can be imprisoned has also been broadened.
"The new Act sends out an important message to those who flout the law. However, good employers and good managers have nothing to fear. In fact, they have much to gain,” commented HSE Chair Judith Hackitt welcoming the announcement.
"I want to remind businesses that there are no changes to their existing legal duties and that important safeguards are in place to ensure these new powers will be used sensibly and proportionately.
"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," adds Judith.
“The changes introduced in this Act demonstrates society’s increasing unwillingness to tolerate serious harm or injury to workers and promotes the legal protection of all workers,” comments Brian Nimick, CEO of the British Safety Council.
“It highlights the importance of the use of best practice in the workplace and sends a very clear message to employers that neglecting health and safety regulation is not acceptable and will be punished.” More articles from HSM News Desk: | 
