1 March 2004 - Second Time Lucky For Offences Bill?
The TUC and Government are backing the Health and Safety at Work (Offences) Bill presented by Andy Love MP. The Bill ran out of parliamentary time last year which was first outlined in the House of Commons by Lawrie Quinn MP in January 2003.
The Bill would raise the maximum fine attributable in the magistrates' courts for health and safety offences from £5,000 to £20,000. It would also introduce the possibility of a custodial sentence for the most serious health and safety breaches, and raise penalties for firms who do not hold employers' liability insurance.
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.'
The second reading will be held on 12 March 2004. You can read exactly what the reading entails here.
