Landscape gardening firm failed to protect its employees

Date:

9 November 2010

Release No:

HSE-E-42

A Norfolk landscaping firm has been fined for failing to buy compulsory insurance to protect its employees.

The Norfolk Ranger Ltd was fined £700 at Swaffham Magistrates' Court today and ordered to pay £300 in costs.

The court heard how the company failed to produce a current Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance (ELCI) certificate when asked to do so by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in April this year. The subsequent investigation found that the company did not have ELCI.

Appearing at court today, The Norfolk Ranger Ltd, based at Park Farm, Mileham, Norfolk, admitted breaching Section 1(1) of the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, for failing to hold ELCI.

HSE Inspector Steven Gill said:

"Injuries can stop employees from working for a significant period of time - or even for life, and it is vital that they are protected - that is why this type of insurance is compulsory. ELCI means those employees will not be left to fend for themselves and their families if unable to earn a wage.

"Failing to have this insurance potentially leaves members of staff doubly disadvantaged in the event of an incident or ill health. This case is a warning to all employers about how seriously HSE takes this issue."

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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