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

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

Ensuring a Safer Workplace through a Comprehensive Contractor Qualification Framework

March 13, 2025
Avetta is a leader in contractor management, and with over 15 years of industry experience, we can help you establish a robust contractor pre-qualification program that aligns...

EQT Private Equity to Acquire Avetta from WCAS

March 13, 2025
EQT commits to supporting Avetta in its ongoing growth and innovation journey.

Guide to OSHA Workplace Lighting Requirements

March 13, 2025
Learn OSHA workplace lighting requirements to enhance safety, productivity, and quality. Discover standards, compliance benefits, and risks of non-compliance.

What is the difference between Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers and why do they matter?

March 13, 2025
From raw materials to final products, each supplier tier poses risks and liabilities that can impact your organization. Avetta's supply chain management software offers peace ...

Voice your opinion!

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