The Health & Safety (Offences) Act 2008
June 26th 2009 This major piece of new safety legislation was enacted last year but came into force on 1st January 2009. Primarily, the Government has introduced it to send a clear message to employers and managers – that they must pay more attention to the safety of their staff. Negligence in this area now carries ‘life changing consequences’.
The legislation now makes people liable as well as companies. The sentences that can be imposed have also been strengthened: lower courts now have new powers to impose an increased maximum fine of £20,000 and/or a custodial sentence of up to one year on an individual. High courts, with juries, also have new powers which enable them to impose custodial sentences of up to two years.
This extends to all those with a duty of care for others - which means that anyone involved in this industry needs to be aware of their responsibilities - they may well fall foul of the legislation.
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