Safety fines welcomed

The Court of Appeal has issued new guidelines which will enable judges to hand out heavier fines, putting companies who commit grave health and safety offences out of business, as well as allowing prosecuting inspectors to suggest penalties.

The news was welcomed by Jenny Bacon, director general of the HSE, who said: "The Court of Appeal's observations will greatly encourage our inspectors."





said .





who have been disappointed by low fines handed down in some very disturbing cases," The Court of Appeal identified several features which would be relevant when considering cases, including: a deliberate breaches of health and safety with a view to profit; failure to fulfil general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1976 and a failure to heed warnings.