Increased Penalties for Breaches of Health and Safety Law

Employers are reminded that the Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008, which made changes to the penalty framework set out in Section 33 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, came into force earlier this year. The Act introduced harsher penalties for businesses that commit certain health and safety offences.

The maximum penalty that can be imposed in the lower courts for breaching health and safety regulations has been increased from £5,000 to £20,000 and the range of offences for which an individual can be imprisoned has also been broadened.

The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.
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