Changes to strict liability come into force

Implementation date: 1 October 2013

Section 69 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (PDF format, 1MB) (on the UK legislation website) amends the strict liability provisions under s.47 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, so that a breach of a health and safety duty is not actionable except to the extent provided for in regulations. The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Commencement No. 3, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2013 (SI 2013/2227) (on the UK legislation website) commences s.69 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 on 1 October 2013. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (Civil Liability) (Exceptions) Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/1667) (on the UK legislation website) create some exceptions, including for pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding. The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Health and Safety) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (SI 2013/1666) (on the UK legislation website) makes consequential amendments to other legislation.