The new cookie law... Blissful Ignorance?

So the new cookie law is in place, but it seems that not many know about it, do you? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18206810 You will have seen that we have taken steps to make our website compliant, but many companies will be either unaware of the new law or have not yet taken any action, including some government websites. The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) has said that it would rather help non-compliant sites, than take legal action. This is good news for those that are ignorant of the new cookie law, but when it comes to health and safety compliance, is ignorance a safe strategy? Whilst ignorance may be bliss for some, the following recent cases highlight that ignorance is costly: 10 Dec 2010 – Builder prosecuted for ignoring health and safety rules under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. 28 Mar 2012 – Carlisle boss fined after ignoring fire warnings. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted George Ward after he ignored warnings. "Mr Ward was given several chances to comply with the law but after repeatedly ignoring warnings he was prosecuted. 4 Apr 2011 – Garage director fined for ignoring safety notice. "Richard Grant flagrantly disregarded his duties to comply with Health and Safety Regulations. Health and Safety Executive Inspectors often find that employers are not only ignorant of Health and Safety requirements, but they repeatedly ignore their warnings and advice.

A Safe Strategy

In order to avoid the costly consequences of not knowing your Health and Safety requirements, the strategy is straightforward: You must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and safety at Work Regulations 1999. Identify significant hazards and risks arising from your work activities. Find out which additional Health and Safety Regulations are relevant to you (look in our Health and Safety Advice section of our website for more information). Ensure that safety and health risks are being effectively managed in accordance with the Regulations and that protective risk control measures are communicated to employees.

Contact us

Arinite can assist you by ensuring that you get concise and appropriate information about Health and Safety Regulations in relation to your business. Please call me us on 0780 361 294.