New Health And Safety Law Comes Into Force Today

Originally published 16th January 2009

New legislation comes into force today which significantly

changes the sentencing framework for health and safety

breaches. The effect of the Health and Safety (Offences) Act

2008 is to:-

raise the maximum fine which may be imposed in lower courts

from £5,000 to £20,000 for breach of

most health and safety offences;

makes imprisonment an option for more health

and safety offences in both lower and higher courts; and

make certain offences which are currently triable only in the

lower courts, triable in higher or lower courts.

Jail sentences of up to 6 months will...