§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what measures he has in place to ensure that those who suffer from industrial accidents are fully compensated for their injuries. [55334]
§ Mr. Nicholas Brown[holding answer 13 May 2002]: With certain prescribed exceptions, the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 (ELCI) requires all employers carrying on business in the United Kingdom to insure their liability to their employees for bodily injury or disease sustained in the course of their employment in Great Britain. There is currently a penalty of up to £2,500 for failure to insure on any day.
Employers are required to display copies of certificates of employers' liability compulsory insurance while the underlying policy is in force. There is currently a penalty of up to £1,000 for failure to display a certificate. The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for enforcing ELCI.
Industrial injuries disablement benefit is payable on a no fault basis to employed earners who have sustained an industrial accident or prescribed disease. It is paid according to the degree of disablement and takes no account of factors other than the physical or mental condition of the injured person. It can be paid whether or not the person continues to work and is not taxable.
In each case, advice on the assessment of disablement and its likely duration is given by doctors specially trained in industrial injuries disablement matters. Benefit is normally paid only in respect of disablement of 14 per cent. or more.