Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2009

Article Type: Newsbriefs From: Structural Survey, Volume 27, Issue 3

Keywords: Health and safety, Offences

CDM2007.org, developer of the e-learning portal dedicated to CDM training,has warned construction companies that unless they ensure that their employees are fully and appropriately trained, with acceptable proof of competence, they could now risk a prison sentence in the event of a health and safety breach. The warning comes as the new Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2009 came into full force on the 16 January 2009. With amendments to Section 33 of the Health and Safety at Work, etc., Act 1974, magistrates will now have a new remit on sentencing for breaches of health and safety law and regulation which will enable them to impose fines of up to £20,000 and, if they wish, sentence convicted offenders to up to two years in prison. Further details on the CDM2007.org project are at www.CDM2007.org