New legislation under the Health
and Safety Offences Act 2008 will increase penalties and provide
courts with greater sentencing powers for those who flout health
and safety legislation.
The Act will increase the maximum level of penalties that can
be imposed by the lower courts on those who breach health and
safety regulations from £5,000 to £20,000. It also
increases the range of offences for which an individual can be
imprisoned. The legislation, which received Royal Assent on 16
October 2008, will come into force in January 2009.
DWP Minister Lord McKenzie said:
“It is generally accepted that the level of fines for
some health and safety offences is too low. These changes
will ensure that sentences can now be more easily set at a level
to deter businesses that do not take their health and safety
management responsibilities seriously and further encourage employers
and others to comply with the law.
Furthermore, by extending the £20,000 maximum fine to
the lower courts and making imprisonment an option, more cases
will be resolved in the lower courts and justice will be faster,
less costly and more efficient.”
Internet link: DWP
press release
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