Safety and fire regs allow for damages claims

New workplace safety and fire regulations that allow workers to claim damages for breaches of health and safety law came into force this month.

Employees will be able to claim damages from their employer in a civil action, where they suffer injury or illness as a result of the employer breaching the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 or the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997. The changes are the result of a sustained campaign by firefighters' union FBU.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1997 and Fire Precautions (Workplace) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/2457) can be downloaded from the Stationery Office website www.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2003/20032457.htm or telephone: 0870 600 5522