New health and safety bill could see larger fines

The Health and Safety (Offences) bill, which is being debated in parliament, could see larger fines and even custodial sentences for employers who breach it.

Currently, the maximum fine which can be imposed on a company for a breach of health and safety regulations is £5,000.

However, Ed Hodson, senior health and safety adviser at law firm Andrew Jackson, told Personnel Today that the new law, which is expected to pass through parliament, could see businesses fined larger amounts.

"Firms will get higher fines without cases being sent to the crown court. Employers might also decide to fight decisions now the fines have been increased, meaning cases will drag on and extra costs will be incurred," he told the magazine.

The bill follows the recent Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide bill, which came into force on April 6th.

Revisions to both the maximum penalties and the mode of trials will be the aim of the legislation.