UK's HSE Publishes Enforcement Report

Nov. 1, 2000
The UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published its first\r\nenforcement report, which names companies, organizations\r\nand individuals convicted of health and safety crimes during\r\n1999-2000.

The UK''s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published its first enforcement report, which names hundreds of companies, organizations and individuals convicted of health and safety crimes during 1999-2000.

The report, "Health and Safety Offences and Penalties," lists approximately 1,600 individual offenses and includes several big-name companies, as well as small firms, local authorities, hospitals and universities throughout Britain.

In addition, full details of each conviction are available on a special Web site database at www.hse-database.co.uk/prosecutions/.

Users can access this information in a number of ways, including by geographical location, type of industry, size of fine and type of work activity.

"Companies, organizations and individuals must be held accountable for their health and safety performance -- their professional reputation should depend on it," said HSE Director General Timothy Walker. "The convictions are there for everyone to see, including the would-be customers, contractors, investors, employees and insurers."

Walker said he hopes the report creates pressure for those to improve who have failed to keep workers and the public safe and healthy.

He also criticized the low general level of fines still being handed down by Britain''s court.

"Health and safety crimes cause pain and distress to victims and their families. In 1998 the Court of Appeal stated that fines for safety and health offenses were too low," said Walker. "I agree, yet since then there has been only limited progress -- with the average fine under $7,000 UK. Society has a right to expect that when a business or individual is found guilty, the penalty handed down reflects the seriousness of the offense. This is simply not happening enough."

In 1999 the HSE prosecuted 1,133 cases, involving 2,253 charges -- an increase of 9 percent and 28 percent respectively on the previous year.

Of the 2,253 cases placed before the court, only 72 led to a ''not guilty'' or ''not proven verdict.''

by Virginia Sutcliffe

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!