The new sentencing guidelines for health and safety violations have resulted in much larger fines for companies since February 2016. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act has been the backbone of the legislative framework governing health and safety in Great Britain since 1974, and Crown Courts have had the power to sentence offenders to unlimited fines. However, the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 added another layer of severity to the penalties for safety violations. The Sentencing Council's "Health and Safety Offences, Corporate Manslaughter and Food Safety and Hygiene Offences Definitive Guideline" sets a range for fines of up to £10 million for breaches of Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act. The aim of the guideline is to ensure that fines are fair and proportionate to the means of the offenders. Executives should be aware of these changes and the potential implications on their business.
