Tougher Health and Safety Penalties to be Enshrined in Law
Jan 1, 2010
The Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008, which increases the penalties for health and safety crimes, will come into law in January 2009 after the Bill gained Royal Assent.
The new Act raises the maximum fine that may be imposed by magistrates courts from £5000 to £20,000 for most health and safety offences, and makes imprisonment an option for more offences in both magistrate and crown courts.
Health and safety minister, Lord McKenzie of Luton, commented: "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."
