Insurance for Employees Compulsory, Says HSE
A retailer in Cambridgeshire has been penalised for failure to adhere to the Employers’ Liability Compulsory Insurance Act 1969, wherein employers are required to have insurance for their employees.
Following this case, HSE has issued a warning to all employers to ensure that insurance is taken for workers and that the necessary documentation is produced when asked for by HSE inspectors. These requirements are prescribed by the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969.
The violation of the act was penalised with a fine of £500 for every offence and costs of £539.60 by Cambridge Magistrates’ Court after HSE investigators presented the facts against alleged retailer Dipak Kumar Kantial Solanki, who has a retail store in Melbourn.
Mr Solanki was asked to produce the current ELCI certificate during a routine check by Environmental Health Officers. On his failure to do so, he was given a ‘notice to produce’ by Health and Safety Executive. However, he still failed to present the necessary documents. Owing to this failure, he was charged with breach of provisions of Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969.
Speaking about the case, HSE inspectors said that it is imperative that employers understand the importance and necessity of adhering to this act as it provides protection to employees in case of accidents at the workplace. Failing to do will attract severe legal repercussions from HSE, as the body takes a serious view of such breaches.
All organisations need to make appropriate efforts to protect the well-being of staff. CIPD courses are easily accessible and accredited training is provided by reputable companies such as Workplace Law; the Certificate in HR Practice imparts training and help to managers in the preparation of appropriate policies and procedures for a more effective working practice.
