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Although it might at first seem that a reduction in the number of prosecutions taken by the Health and Safety Prosecutions would be good news for the accident at work picture in the UK, there are those who disagree with this view.
In keeping with a downward trend that first started in 2002/2003, during 2007/2008 there were only HSE 1,028 prosecutions, down from 1,141 in 2006/2007. The HSE's chief executive believes this is relatively positive news. "Our view is that actually prosecutions are, relatively speaking, fairly stable in numbers. We prosecuted 1,028 offences in 2007-2008 and that was broadly similar to the previous year," he said.
However, there are those who argue that this decline in prosecutions is not a sign of improved standards but instead evidence of an increased laxity in addressing the root causes and culture that lie behind accidents at work. A 2009 Work and Pensions Committee heard: "We do not accept that the fall in prosecutions by HSE is insignificant. In 2003/04 HSE prosecuted 1,720 offences compared to 1,028 in 2007/08 - a reduction of around 40% over four years. The importance of prosecution, both as a response to those who breach health and safety law and as a deterrent to those who might, cannot be underestimated. We call on HSE to explain why there has been such a significant drop in the prosecutions it has taken since 2003/04 and how it will reverse this trend."
Perhaps most significantly, the same Work and Pensions Committee heard how a recent report by Rita Donaghy detailed the "unacceptably low" level of awareness of health and safety legislation among the upper hierarchies of UK corporations, particularly within the construction industry.
Accident at work claims a cost free service
Making a workplace injury claim can ensure that you are compensated for your pain, suffering, loss of earnings and medical expenses; and, like a health and safety prosecution, it may also help in preventing a similar accident at work occurring in the future.
Our workplace litigation solicitors surpass the definition of "no win, no fee" by providing a cost free service for this type of claim. This means that you are protected from all possible costs, fees and disbursement, including those of the opponent.
This no risk payment model is underlined by our 100 percent compensation assurance: we never take a cut from the settlements awarded our clients.
Over the years we have earned an enviable success rate and a reputation for excellence. We believe in providing deserving claimants with the benchmark in legal service and all our specialists are carefully selected from firms governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
If you would like to speak with an advisor, without obligation, simply echat, fill out an online claim form or call us on our national accident helpline: 0800 10 757 95.
