Health and Safety Fines – (what is the trend and how to buck it?)
Overview – Health and Safety Fines increased by 80% in the 12 months to the end of March 2017.
What is the Trend? – In 2016-17 – the first full year that the new sentencing guidelines were in place – health and safety fines reached £69.9m compared with £38.8m for the same period a year earlier. This is the second consecutive year in which financial penalties have soared. There was a 115.5% rise between 2014-15 (when £18m worth of fines were collected) and 2015-16.
What do I need to do to buck the trend?
• Appoint a competent person to address safety for the business. Top Tip – make sure you have sufficient insurance.
• Have your Health and Safety documentation written (especially if you employ 5 or more people) and if it is old, have it audited and updated by a competent safety advisor.
• Ensure all significant risks are assessed and suitable and sensible controls are in place.
• Ensure your workforce are briefed and consulted.
• Make sure training for safety is up to date and refreshed.
• Commission a site or premises inspection to make sure you comply with all relevant legal requirements.
Summary – Having good functional safety is becoming more of a neccessitry for savvy business owners who want to manage their risk as well as those who want the peace of mind of knowing they are covered.
If you require any help or more information on the above, please don’t hesitate to contact us for free initial advice;
• Telephone: 0116 216 9224
• email: [email protected]