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Attention: industrial, political correspondents, health and safety press

TUC hopes for success for safety bill

The TUC is backing a Bill to be presented today (Tuesday) by Andy Love MP which would see companies that commit health and safety crimes paying much higher fines for injuring or killing their employees.

Andy Love’s Health and Safety at Work (Offences) Bill wants to see magistrates courts fine employers guilty of health and safety offences up to £20,000 (£5,000 is the maximum possible currently).

Employers who end up in court over safety issues, and who haven’t taken out employer liability insurance, often end up with fines that are less than the cost of the insurance premium they should have taken out. Realising that this is hardly an incentive for employers to be insured, Andy Love’s Bill also wants penalties for non-insurance to be increased.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'All too often, employers committing major health and safety crimes are getting away with no more than a slight slap on the wrist. Higher fines would help focus employer minds on the need for greater safety at work. Bosses who employ workers in dangerous situations should have to pay the price for their carelessness. I wish this Bill every success.'

Notes to Editors:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries: Liz Chinchen 020 7467 1248 or 07699 744115 (pager) or email media@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 10 Feb 2004