Revised ELCI guide published

Jocelyn Dorrell | News | HSP
07.10.2008

Following changes to the rules on displaying employers' liability insurance certificates, the HSE has published refresher guidance for employers on their duties under the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) (ELCI) Act 1969.

Since 1 October this year, when the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 took effect, employers have been allowed to display their ELCI certificates electronically, provided they ensure employees know how to find the certificate and have reasonable access to it; via the computer they use as part of their jobs, for example.

The Regulations also removed the requirement for employers to keep out-of-date certificates. The changes form part of the Department for Work and Pensions' efforts to reduce the administrative burden on employers by 25%.

The new guidance takes account of these recent amendments, and reminds employers about their original duties under the 1969 Act, including choosing an authorised insurer; the correct level of cover; and the penalties for not maintaining adequate cover.

Employers may be fined up to £2500 each day they are without suitable insurance, and up to £1000 for failing to display a certificate or refusing to make it available to HSE inspectors on request.

Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969: A Guide for Employers is free to download from the HSE website.