19/11/2010 - Landscape firm fined over insurance
A landscaping company has been fined after it failed to purchase compulsory insurance to protect its employees.
The Norfolk Ranger Ltd was fined £700 at Swaffham Magistrates' Court and ordered to pay £300 in costs - making a total outlay of £1,000.
A Health and Safety Executive request in April first revealed that the company did not have a current Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance (ELCI) certificate and a subsequent investigation found that the company had taken no action to obtain the insurance.
The Norfolk Ranger Ltd, based at Park Farm, Mileham, Norfolk, admitted breaching Section 1(1) of the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, for failing to hold ELCI.
HSE inspector Steven Gill said: "Injuries can stop employees from working for a significant period of time - or even for life, and it is vital that they are protected - that is why this type of insurance is compulsory. ELCI means those employees will not be left to fend for themselves and their families if unable to earn a wage.
"Failing to have this insurance potentially leaves members of staff doubly disadvantaged in the event of an incident or ill health. This case is a warning to all employers about how seriously HSE takes this issue."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
Related links
|
