Employers have been fined £76.7m for health and safety breaches since tougher sanctions were introduced last February. This is a £36.2m increase on the year before. The H&SE collected £61.6m last year, up from £35.5m in 2015, and local authorities took almost £15.2m, up from £800,000 according to International Law firm Clyde and Co, who collated the figures.
The percentage increase in fines in the local authority enforced sectors is frankly breathtaking and really brings home just how severe the penalties have now become.
What can I do to protect my business ?
Fines are now based upon turnover and not profit (as before) and it would appear that affordability does not enter into the equation. And let us not forget there are criminal penalties too.
We cannot guarantee that you will not have a H&S investigation but there are steps that you can take to minimise the risks of a large fine.
Amicus offer cover to protect you from the cost of HSE "Fees for Intervention". This cover not only protects you from the costs of the fees charged by the HSE itself, but offers advice and guidance should you find yourself the subject of an HSE investigation.
A robust Health and Safety Policy that you can demonstrate applies to and is adhered to throughout the business will form the platform of your defence. Amicus have access to specialist Health and Safety consultants who can review your business, and audit your policies to ensure that you have protected yourself both before and after any incident.
Please call us for more information on 0208 669 0991.
