Corporate manslaughter convictions set to increase
April 2, 2008
The number of corporate manslaughter convictions are set to soar when the new legislation comes in this Sunday, one legal expert has claimed.
According to Aon, many employers who had previously avoided prosecution may now face unlimited fines and being given a criminal record if greater precautions are not taken when it comes to health and safety provision in the workplace.
Speaking to Online Recruitment, Richard Brough, risk control consultant at Aon, said that firms often install health and safety systems but then no one actually follows them.
"Companies must be able to demonstrate that their robust systems are actually working, as this will be a key defence during prosecution," he adds.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service in 2006-07, 32 per cent of all worker deaths were in the construction industry.
Overall, some 241 people were fatally injured in the workplace, yet there have only been 34 prosecutions and just six convictions since 1992.
Find out more about Corporate Manslaughter
According to Aon, many employers who had previously avoided prosecution may now face unlimited fines and being given a criminal record if greater precautions are not taken when it comes to health and safety provision in the workplace.
Speaking to Online Recruitment, Richard Brough, risk control consultant at Aon, said that firms often install health and safety systems but then no one actually follows them.
"Companies must be able to demonstrate that their robust systems are actually working, as this will be a key defence during prosecution," he adds.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service in 2006-07, 32 per cent of all worker deaths were in the construction industry.
Overall, some 241 people were fatally injured in the workplace, yet there have only been 34 prosecutions and just six convictions since 1992.
Find out more about Corporate Manslaughter
More Corporate manslaughter news:
Essex councils join HSE in 'myth busting' - October 15, 2008Good leadership 'required for workplace safety' - September 25, 2008
Firework death case adjourned - September 2, 2008
Equity fines for corporate accountability - August 26, 2008
Employee health and safety 'must move up firms' priority list' - August 22, 2008
