United Kingdom · Induction and safety certificates

What happens if staff aren't trained? Penalties in the UK

Fines and imprisonment under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Checked: 2026-10-06 · Official sources: legislation.gov.uk

English

United Kingdom (Great Britain)Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, s. 2(2)(c) and s. 33; Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg. 13

The employer fails to provide the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary for health and safety (s. 2(2)(c)) or the training required by reg. 13.

Crown Court (on indictment)	unlimited fine and, for certain offences, imprisonment up to 2 years
Magistrates' court (England & Wales)	fine — unlimited for offences committed on or after 12 March 2015 — and, for certain offences, imprisonment

Checked: 2026-10-06 · HSWA 1974, s. 33 Offences (legislation.gov.uk) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, s. 2 (legislation.gov.uk) · Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg. 13 (legislation.gov.uk)

Enforcement: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities; prosecutions in the magistrates' courts or Crown Court.

1. Do the risk assessment.
2. Train on recruitment and when risks change (reg. 13).
3. Train during working hours.
4. Keep training records.
5. Refresh periodically.

Are fines capped?

On indictment fines are unlimited; in magistrates' courts in England & Wales fines are unlimited for offences from 12 March 2015.

Who enforces?

HSE and local authorities.

Need relevant training?

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