Shropshire man fined for failing to protect workers

Date:

21 March 2011

Release No:

WM391/11

A Shropshire man has been fined for running a plastics recycling business without having compulsory insurance in place to protect his employees.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Brian Woods, trading as Brian Woods Recycling, following a complaint from an employee at the factory on Lilleshall Grange Industrial Estate, Abbey Road, Lilleshall, Newport.

Telford Magistrates' Court heard that Mr Woods, aged 55, who employs three people, had displayed an Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance certificate at the premises but did not pay the insurance premiums.

After writing to him several times extending the deadline for payment, the insurance broker sent a final letter to Mr Woods on 9 August 2010 stating that his policy was cancelled and requesting him to return the certificate.

The court heard that Mr Woods had run the business from 17 August to 13 October last year with no employers' liability insurance in place.

Mr Woods pleaded guilty to two breaches of Section 1(1) of the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, and was fined £2,500 with costs of £1,000 on 21 March 2011.

HSE Inspector Sara Cragg said:

"Employers are responsible for the health and safety of their staff while they are at work, and must protect them with compulsory insurance.

"Employers' liability insurance is designed to ensure employees are covered if they are injured or made ill by their work.

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

More information on Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance is available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse40.htm

Notes to editors

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce 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. www.hse.gov.uk
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."

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Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News & PR West Midlands