ACCIDENT BOOKS

That this House notes that the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979 state that an employer must have an accessible accident book if 10 or more people are employed; further notes that the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has stated that issues relating to the availability of accident books are not uncommon, including individuals being told that the accident book cannot be found, or will be completed at a future time; expresses concern that this could reduce safety in the workplace; further expresses concern that without the accident book, individuals who have been injured may be prevented from accessing justice; and calls on the Government to strengthen regulations requiring that accident books are held by employers, including considering the introduction of a new criminal offence of not having an accessible accident book.