|
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
|
