Heftier fines for breaching health and safety rules

Companies who breach health and safety rules in Guernsey could face heftier fines in future.

The maximum penalty courts can dole out is currently £5,000 - the plan is to increase that to £20,000.

The Commerce and Employment Department says the cap on the fines Magistrates Courts can impose needs revising, though the Royal Court can hand out tougher sanctions.

They are proposing this four-fold increase, arguing it will give "greater assurance that there are meaningful consequences" for those responsible for ensuring safety at work.

The Law Officers say the change would be simple to amend in legislation, and C&E are asking the States to approve their proposals when they meet next week (from CTV)