Consequences of Breaching Health and Safety Regulations

Consequences to Organisations

Customer loss of confidence

Reduces customer footfall

Competitors

Competitors may become more appealing, reducing the market share

Legalities

Legal penalties and extensive fines may be imposed, which will increase costs

Court cases

High profile court cases will be well publicised, leading to a bad reputation

Negative sales

Sales and profits will fall as customers begin to use other providers

Prosecution

Criminal prosecution may be brought alleging negligence or manslaughter

Industrial Tribunals

Employees who believe that the organisation has breached health and safety requirements can take their case to an industrial tribunal. Examples might be the non-provision of safety equipment and/or protective clothing or failure to remedy a reported hazard, which has resulted in the subsequent injury. If a case is proven against the employer, it may result in fines or compensation to the employee.

Consequences to employees

Verbal warning

Written warning

Summary dismissal

Referral to police

Civil and criminal prosecution

The Health and Safety Executive

The HSE is the organisation responsible for holding organisations to account concerning health and safety legislation.

The HSE investigates breaches of legislation by organisations relating to health and safety. It aims to resolve issues and provide employers with solutions to problems they are experiencing regarding health and safety. It also aims to minimise workplace hazards which can lead to injury, illness, harm or even death.