Firm fined for failing to hold insurance

An investigation was carried out by the Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) following information received suggesting Sun Spirit Ltd was
uninsured.

Sunderland Magistrates’ Court heard today (16 August) that HSE
inspectors found the company did not hold any Employer’s Liability
Compulsory Insurance between 9 Feb and 13 December 2012. This meant the
firm, which provides and installs solar panels, was not insured against
liability for bodily injury or disease sustained by their employees
resulting from their work.

Sun Spirit Ltd of Quay Court, Sunderland, was fined £750 and ordered
to pay £850 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching Section 1(1) of
the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Andrea Robbins said:

“As well as being a legal requirement, Employers’ Liability
Compulsory Insurance offers important protection for employers and
employees alike.

“Failure to have such insurance could leave any employee who is
injured or suffers ill health because of their work unable to get any
compensation for their suffering.

“The failure of employers to insure is seen as a serious matter and HSE will continue to take legal action where appropriate.”