Health and Safety Failings – Employers Liability Insurance Failings Lead To Fine

Employers Liability Insurance Failings Lead To Fine

Key Facts

• A firm have been fined for failing to hold adequate Employers Liability Insurance
• They had received repeated reminders and warnings from the HSE about the issue
• The firm were fined £2,500, costs of £3,191.80, plus a victim surcharge of £120

The Case

A Hednesford based firm have been investigated by the HSE regarding their Employers Liability Insurance.

Despite repeated reminders and warnings from the HSE, the firm failed to put Employers Liability Insurance in place for its workers.

Employers Liability Insurance is a legal requirement. It enables workers to claim compensation if they are injured or become ill at work. For employers, it covers legal costs and compensation payouts in the event of a claim.

The case was heard at Sheffield Magistrates Court on Wed 13 May 2015. They were fined £2,500 for breaching Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, ordered to pay costs of £3,191.80, plus a victim surcharge of £120.

Another Case

The owner of a textiles firm has been prosecuted after failing to demonstrate that up-to-date insurance was in place. Merthyr Magistrates’ Court heard that William Cuthbert trading as BC Shirts, failed to provide evidence of Employer’s Liability Compulsory Insurance (ELCI) to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) over a period of six months.

The Company was charged with breaching the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 and was fined £1000 in total and ordered to pay costs of £9,143.35

Speaking after the case HSE Inspector Wayne Williams said:

“Failure to provide suitable insurance puts workers at risk of not being adequately compensated in the event of an injury or illness sustained whilst at their place of work”

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