Health & Safety Offences Act 2008

The new Health & Safety (Offences) Act 2008 comes into force this Friday which means that careless bosses and their employees might end up in prison if there are serious breaches of health and safety rules (previously punished with fines). It could now mean a prison sentence of up to 2 years. If an employee is found to have contributed to an offence under the legislation then he or she could also end up in prison - this is even if no harm is sustained by the "victim" because of their actions. Businesses must become more aware of health and safety matters. This new Act is hailed as a deterrent for those business who perhaps due to the downturn in economic activity, may think of cutting back on training etc.
Brian Nimick, CEO of the Briths Safety Council said: “With the new risk of higher fines and possible imprisonment for health and safety offences, this law should act as a deterrent and increase awareness of the need to adequately train and protect workers. Risks including accidents, illness and even deaths among the workforce could cost far more in the long term than the short term savings gained from cutting back on training.”

www.adams-law.co.uk