In the present case, Dipak Kumar Kantial Solanki, owner of a retail shop named Melbourn Stores in Melbourn, failed to produce the required certificate when demanded by the Environmental Health Officer from South Cambridgeshire District Council during his visit in April 2009. It is pertinent to note that the employer failed to produce the certificate even after a notice was issued to him by HSE to produce the same after a period of time.

According to Andrew Saunders, HSE Inspector, businesses that are bound by the provisions of the Act should have the relevant certificate and should be able to produce the same when asked. In the present case, the employer Solanki pleaded guilty to violating section 1(1) of the Employers’ Liability Compulsory Insurance Act and he was asked to pay a fine of £500 for each offence and costs up to £539.60 by the Magistrates’ Court at Cambridge.

HSE, reiterating the importance of the certificate, stated that the act and its provisions are created for safeguarding the interests of the employee in case of any accident or health related problem is caused due to work, as failure to do so will result in increasing the vulnerability of the staff.

Health and safety training is essential; for managers and supervisors IOSH training is designed to provide you with the knowledge to manage safely and effectively in compliance with both your organisation