Pipework manufacturer failed to protect employees

Date:

8 October 2010

Release No:

HSE-E-35

A manufacturer of steel pipework has been fined for failing to purchase compulsory insurance to protect its employees.

Essex firm Ductwork Environmental Services Ltd was fined £1,000 at Harlow Magistrates' Court today and ordered to pay £750 in costs.

The court heard how the company failed to produce a current Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance (ELCI) certificate when a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector visited the premises in June 2010.

All employers need to have an ELCI certificate and must show a copy to a HSE official immediately on request. When Ductwork Environmental Services failed to do this, it was issued with an ELCI "notice to produce" but the company failed to comply.

Appearing at court today, Ductwork Environmental Services Ltd admitted five breaches of Section 1(1) of the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, for failing to hold ELCI.

HSE Inspector David King said:

"The Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 requires all employers have insurance to cover employees for injury or ill health caused whilst at work.

"Failure to have such insurance could leave any employee who has an accident, or suffers ill health because of work unable to obtain compensation for their suffering, which potentially leaves employees doubly vulnerable.

"This case should serve as a warning to all employers about how seriously HSE takes this issue."

Ductwork Environmental Services Ltd's official address is Wyldwood Close, Harlow, but the site visited by the HSE was at Stort Mill, River Way, Harlow.

Notes to editors

1. The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement.
2. Section 1(1) of the Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance Act 1969 states: "Every employer carrying on business in Great Britain shall insure, and maintain insurance, under one or more approved policies with an authorised insurer or insurers against liability for bodily injury or disease sustained by his employees."
3. Further information on Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance is available online at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse40.htm

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