HC Deb 08 December 1997 vol 302 cc412-3W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many prosecutions have taken place against employers for unsafe and dangerous working practices in the construction industry so far in 1997; and if he will make a statement. [18571]

Angela Eagle

I regret that this question cannot be answered accurately in the form in which it has been asked. Between 1 January 1997 and 31 October 1997, there were 376 convictions obtained in proceedings instituted by HSE in the construction industry. These figures, which are only provisional, include all those prosecuted. Some offences may have been committed by the self-employed who by their actions put other workers, or members of the public, at risk. In addition, offences by those such as clients and designers, who may have had no direct control of working practices, but who may have failed to play their part in overall risk management and control, are included. To eliminate these cases from the figures and revise the reporting period would involve disproportionate cost.

The best guide to the pattern of recent prosecutions in the construction industry is provided by Table A1.26 of Health and Safety Statistics 1996–97, which was published recently. A copy of Page 170 of the publication is attached for information.

The protection of the health and safety of all those working in, or affected by, the construction industry is a high priority. The prosecution of those who breach health and safety law and the penalties the courts impose are important aspects of achieving this protection.

Table A1.26: Proceedings instituted by HSE by result and by industrial sector 1992–93—1996–971
Standard Industrial Classification (Sic 92) Section year Agriculture, hunting forestry and fishing A, B Extractive and utility supply industries C, E Manufacturing industries D Construction F Service industries G-Q Unclassified— All industries—
Convictions 1992–93 239 40 780 573 226 7 1,865
1993–94 227 45 585 415 217 18 1,075
1994–95 173 42 589 494 188 13 1,499
1995–96 114 21 558 476 241 41 1,451
11996–97 73 35 416 339 189 — 1,052
Average penalty per conviction (£) 1992–93 357 4,469 1,512 1,300 1,776 397 1,390
1993–94 604 11,638 32,973 43,384 53,939 922 63,103
1994–95 794 9,420 73,042 82,697 3,322 1,962 92,873
1995–96 1,095 5,595 2,678 2,232 3,389 2,820 2,572
11996–97 1,194 1,903 108,068 115,354 125,592 — 135,421
1 = Provisional
2 Approximately 300 informations held over from 1995–96 have been transferred to the new computer system but have not yet been validated and, therefore, are not included in the provisional statistics but will be added when final data is released.
3 Includes fine of £250,000 against Hickson and Welch and the fine of £100,000 against GEC Alsthorn Engineering Systems Ltd. The average fine without these convictions would be £2,383.
4 Includes the fine of £150,000 against J. Murphy and Sons Ltd. The average fine without this conviction would be £3,030.
5 Includes the fines of £250,000 against Mersey Docks and Harbour Company. The average fine without this conviction would be £2,799.
6 Includes the fines of £250,000 against Hickson and Welch and Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, the fine of £150,000 against J. Murphy and Sons Ltd. and the fine of £100,000 against GEC Alsthorn Engineering Systems Ltd. The average fine without these convictions would be £2,612.
7 Includes the fine of £100,000 against The Balmoral Group. The average fine without this conviction would be £2,877.
8 Includes the fine of £200,000 against BP Chemicals. The average fine without these convictions would be £2,677.
9 Includes the fine of £200,000 against BP Chemicals and the fine of £100,000 against The Balmoral Group. The average fine without these convictions would be £2,677.
10 Includes the fine of £500,000 against Lloyds Register of Shipping, the fine of £750,000 against Fartygsentreprenader AB (part of the Mattson Group), the fine of £250,000 against Fartygoskonstruktioner (part of the Mattson Group), the four fines of £100,000 against Pembroke Cracking Co. Ltd. and the £100,000 fine against Firth Vickers Centrispinning Ltd. The average fine without these convictions would be £3,324.
11 Includes the fine of £100,000 against Cheetham Hill Construction Ltd. The average fine without this conviction would be £3,068.
12 Includes the fine of £200,000 against Port Ramsgate Ltd. The average fine without this conviction would be £4,558.
13 Includes the fines of £500,000 against Lloyds Register of Shipping, the fine of £750,000 against Fartygsentreprenader AB (part of the Mattson Group), the fine of £250,000 against Fartygskonstruktioner (part of the Mattson Group), the four fines of £100,000 against Pembroke Cracking Co. Ltd. the £100,000 fine against Firth Vickers Centrispinning Ltd. the fine of £100,000 against Cheetham Hill Construction Ltd. and the fine of £200,000 against Port Ramsgate Ltd. The average fine without these convictions would be £3,266.