Health and Safety | Employers’ Liability | Poundstretcher
Poundstretcher, which is no stranger to prosecution for breach of Health and Safety Regulations, has been handed a million pounds fine after health & safety breaches were discovered at three of its stores in Newbury, Newhaven and Swindon.
Amandeep Murria of Kangs Solicitors comments upon the need for legal obligations to be observed and the exercise of vigilance and common sense in the workplace by all parties including employer, employee or self-employed contractor.
The Circumstances | Kangs Health and Safety Regulatory Team
Inspections were conducted following a complaint made by an employee at the Swindon branch and inspections at the Newhaven store revealed that emergency exits were blocked and stock was stored dangerously.
The discount retailer pleaded guilty to a total of twenty four charges of breaching the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and was subsequently sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court when the very substantial financial penalty was imposed.
The Joint Public Protection Committee Chairman was quoted to have said:
“The importance of the work that the service carries out to ensure that health & safety laws are complied with is demonstrated by this case. The conviction and penalty highlights the importance of taking steps to protect the health & safety of employees and members of the public as well as emphasising the importance that employee training plays in this process”
Employers’ Responsibilities | Kangs Health and Safety Advisory Solicitors
An employer has a significant duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and other people who might be affected by their business.
Employers have duties under health and safety law to assess risks in the workplace.
These assessments should address all risk that may cause harm.
Employers should also:
- provide information about the risks and the protection provided
- provide training on how to deal with the risks
- consult employees on health and safety issues.
Employees’ Responsibilities | Kangs Health and Safety Team
Workers also have a duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Workers must co-operate with employers and co-workers to help everyone meet their legal requirements.
How Can We Help? | Kangs Health and Safety Solicitors
At Kangs Solicitors we have the expertise to guide you and direct you from the experience we have gained from situations encountered by clients over the years.
You can be sure that you will benefit more from pro-active guidance than simply ignoring the requirements that the law places upon you.
ampills.com
Who Can I Contact For Help? | Kangs Crininal Defence Solicitors
Please feel free to contact our team through any of the solicitors named below who will be happy to provide you with some initial advice and an informal chat about any of the issues in this article which may be of interest to you.
Hamraj Kang
hkang@kangssolicitors.co.uk
07976 258 171 | 020 7936 6396 | 0121 449 9888
John Veale
jveale@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396
Tim Thompson
tthompson@kangssolicitors.co.uk
020 7936 6396 | 0121 449 9888
