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Safety Bill Moves To The Lords

The House of Lords is to look at tougher penalties for those who breach health and safety laws after proposals were passed by MPs. The Health and Safety (Offences) Bill put forward by Labour MP Keith Hill cleared the Commons after being given an unopposed third reading.

Under the Bill, the maximum fine in magistrates' courts will be raised to £20,000 for most offences and imprisonment will be made an option for a wider range of breaches. Mr Hill said his aim was to 'punish the criminally negligent who put life and limb in danger in the workplace, and to deter those who are tempted to cut costs by breaking the law.' Junior work and pensions minister Anne McGuire welcomed the Bill, saying it was important that penalties 'fully reflected the seriousness of offences' and deterred irresponsible behaviour.

Ray Hurst, president of safety professionals' organisation IOSH, commented: 'We hope this bill will become law soon and help provide a safety boost for Britain.' The TUC, while welcoming the Bill, called on the government to ensure that it was given sufficient time to progress. It said it was concerned that similar Bills had fallen due to a lack of parliamentary time.

The Bill would amend Section 33 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, to raise the maximum penalties available to the courts in respect of certain health and safety offences.

Key issues of Bill:

  • Raises the maximum fine which may be imposed by the lower courts to £20,000 for most offences
  • Makes a prison sentence an option for most health and safety offences in lower and higher courts
  • Makes certain offences that can currently only go to trial in lower courts, triable in either the lower or higher courts.
Source: TUC Risks



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