Legislation receives Commons' backing
June 16, 2008
The Health and Safety (Offences) Bill, which aims to increase the penalties for those caught breaching workplace safety rules, has been backed by MPs.
Introduced by former housing minister Keith Hill, the legislation will now pass to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.
The bill aims to increase the fines judges are allowed to impose on companies who neglect their health and safety duties from £5,000 to £20,000 as well as allowing more cases to be tried in the lower courts.
In addition, judges will be able to sentence individuals to prison terms should they deserve it.
The legislation, Mr Hill told MPs, will hold businesses accountable and protect people's safety from bosses looking to save money by ignoring their health and safety duties.
"My Bill will ensure appropriate punishment for those who are negligent or would seek to cut costs by infringing health and safety arrangements," he said.
The law will amend section 33 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, which states how much a judge can fine a firm.
Introduced by former housing minister Keith Hill, the legislation will now pass to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.
The bill aims to increase the fines judges are allowed to impose on companies who neglect their health and safety duties from £5,000 to £20,000 as well as allowing more cases to be tried in the lower courts.
In addition, judges will be able to sentence individuals to prison terms should they deserve it.
The legislation, Mr Hill told MPs, will hold businesses accountable and protect people's safety from bosses looking to save money by ignoring their health and safety duties.
"My Bill will ensure appropriate punishment for those who are negligent or would seek to cut costs by infringing health and safety arrangements," he said.
The law will amend section 33 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, which states how much a judge can fine a firm.
More Legislation news:
2,520 Welsh workers injured in slips, trips and falls - February 3, 2010Employers asked to make New Year Safety Resolution - January 4, 2010
Ban sweets at panto - Not us. - December 18, 2009
Secure your site before wrapping up for Christmas - December 18, 2009
Welsh Assembly Government Signs Health and Safety Pledge - December 9, 2009
