Essex firm fined for lack of employers liability insurance

A steel pipework manufacturer in Essex has been fined more than £1,000 this week after the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the firm had no employers’ liability insurance.

This kind of insurance is a legal requirement in the UK, with employers obliged to take out at least a minimum level of cover to protect employees should they become injured whilst at work through the negligence of the employer.

Bosses at Ductwork Environmental Services Ltd in Essex were found by Harlow Magistrates Court to have failed to live up to these responsibilities. The firm was reportedly unable to produce an up-to-date Employers’ Liability Compulsory Insurance (ELCI) certificate when inspectors from the HSE visited the premises back in June 2010.

The company, who failed to comply with an ‘order to produce’ notice, was found guilty of five breaches of the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969. Bosses were ordered to pay £1,000 in fines and £750 in court costs.

HSE Inspector David King commented on the case, saying:

“The Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 requires all employers have insurance to cover employees for injury or ill health caused whilst at work.

“Failure to have such insurance could leave any employee who has an accident, or suffers ill health because of work unable to obtain compensation for their suffering, which potentially leaves employees doubly vulnerable.”

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