According to recent data the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) inspected over 20,000 workplace incidents in the past year, involving:
1. Assessing the circumstances and causes of workplace accidents to identify any breaches of legislation.
2. Reviewing the employer's risk assessments and safety protocols to determine their effectiveness.
3. Issuing notices or taking legal action against organisations found to be non-compliant.
Who is responsible for your safety at work?
One of the critical provisions of this act is Section 3, The Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) of 1974 is the duty of care beyond employees to encompass anyone who may be affected by the activities of an organisation
So, what are the penalties for negligence and breach of duty of care?
Organisations found negligent or in breach of their duty face significant penalties.
The severity depends on the nature of the breach and its consequences but can include.
1. Improvement notices
2. Prohibition notices
3. Fines and prosecution
In recent years the average fine per conviction for Health and Safety offences was approximately £150,000.
Moreover, severe breaches resulting in fatalities or significant harm can lead to corporate manslaughter charges under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, carrying unlimited fines and reputational damage!
The HSE conducts thousands of inspections annually.
Their rigorous inspection regime plays a crucial role in enforcing protections and ensuring compliance.
The penalties for negligence and breaches are designed to be stringent enough to deter non-compliance and encourage a culture of safety and responsibility.
Employers must take their duty of care seriously, continually assessing and managing risks to create a safer working environment for all.
I recently put out a blog post about the hierarchy of risk control - https://nfps.info/eliminating-risk-reality-or-an-aspiration/
Still need to learn more - https://www.nvcawareness.co.yk/contact-us/
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