In its 50th year, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published an update on total fines issued so far in 2025. During the first three months of the year, fines were consistent with previous years, ranging from £400,000 in January, £1.3 million in February (one major fine of £1 million made up the bulk of this figure), and £900,000 during March (with one major fine of £566,000).
However, April saw a substantial upsurge in the value of fines. A total of £11 million worth of fines were imposed. This comprised ten six-figure fines and two seven-figure fines. Additionally, a 10-year custodial sentence was issued following four fatalities caused in a paddleboarding incident. As the affected businesses spanned all sectors—including construction, chemical production, farming, leisure, local authorities, and transport—there appears to be no clear pattern for these increases.
The paddleboarding incident was a major contributor to the fines and highlighted that even simple failings—such as failure to train staff, failure to plan activities, or failure to act upon previous warnings—can have fatal consequences. These failures impact the business, its senior management, and the families of the victims. The 10-year sentence reflected the extent of the failures and the seriousness of the consequences. Notably, this prosecution was a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) manslaughter charge, alongside breaches under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, in a collaborative multi-agency action involving the police, CPS, and HSE. The message being sent is that if fatalities occur, businesses and senior management should expect thorough investigations and, where necessary, personal or corporate charges.
Another major fine of £6 million was issued in a case where three people died. Again, the major failings were inadequate planning of the work, lack of guidance for workers, absence of signage, and reluctance to act on raised concerns. This led to three separate incidents causing three deaths. These were simple failings that could have been easily avoided with a little planning.
A final major fine of £2.5 million was issued in a multi-agency prosecution for health and safety as well as environmental breaches involving the escape of hydrochloric acid.
The conclusion is clear: simple failings can have devastating consequences for employees, businesses, senior management, and families. The message is to think about the tasks at hand, plan in advance, inform and educate staff carrying out the job. Where necessary, obtain advice on implementing a safe system of work to ensure everyone understands their role, knows the safety requirements, has the means to raise concerns, and that mechanisms are in place to address those concerns—minimising the risk of incidents, injuries, and fatalities. Think. Plan. Review. Inform.
Quest has a dedicated team of health and safety professionals who can advise and guide you to ensure you are informed about your obligations and remain compliant. Although accidents are part of life, being prepared and having reasonable and adequate systems in place can act as a defence or at least mitigate your liability. Businesses are advised to call the HS Helpline for further advice.
