Beware of not having employer’s liability compulsory insurance

The owners of a Pub in Chorley were found guilty and fined for failing to purchase mandatory Employers’ insurance.

The owners of the pub had employed a manager, a cook, a helper and waiters to run the pub; however they had not purchased employers’ liability compulsory insurance which is needed to compensate employees in case they are injured or fall seriously ill at their workplace.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors had reminded the owners to purchase the necessary insurance a number of times throughout 2010 and 2011. However, the owners persistently refused to purchase the insurance thereby leaving their employees at risk of not being able to claim compensation for any injury they may suffer at work.

This meant the HSE had no alternative but to prosecute the owners. The Court found them guilty under Section 11 of the Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 and fined them £1,200 plus £2,620 prosecution costs.

You must be aware that it is mandatory and a legal duty of every firm to procure employers liability insurance and intentionally not doing so, especially if it is to save money, will inevitably lead to a prosecution by the HSE and a fine will be the most likely way of disposing of it.

For advice regarding health and safety in your organisation please contact our specialist regulatory team of solicitors who can ensure you are compliant with legislation, and defend you in the event of prosecution or investigation.