Law gets tough on H&S offences

Law firm DWF says the Health and Safety (Offences) Bill, which received widespread support in the House of Commons and is now due to go before the House of Lords, could mean directors facing prison sentences over incidents for which they were not directly responsible. The private member’s bill, introduced by MP Keith Hill (pictured), will effectively raise the maximum fine which could be imposed in the lower courts for most health and safety offences to £20,000 and allow some offences to be tried in higher courts, which have the power to pass even stiffer penalties. It would also make prison an option for most health and safety offences – currently it is only an option in certain cases. It is the fifth time a Bill has attempted to raise penalties for health and safety offences but the first time one looks likely to be passed. In the meantime,the owner of a fireworks depot and his son were today committed to trial accused of the manslaughter of two firefighters. The firefighters died tackling a blaze at the fireworks depot near Ringmer, East Sussex in December 2006. Twelve other people were injured in the explosions and blaze, including nine other firefighters and a police officer. Martin and Nathan Winter, a father and son operating Alpha Fireworks Ltd, appeared at Lewes Magistrates Court to answer charges of unlawfully killing the two men. They made no plea and their case was referred for trial at Lewes Crown Court later this month. They’re also accused of breaching regulations relating to the manufacture and storage of the fireworks.