Firms 'can avoid corporate manslaughter'

Companies should attempt to improve their health and safety systems before the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act is fully in force, experts have said.

Speaking at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health 2009 conference in Liverpool, leading lawyers pointed out that investigations into fatal accidents are likely to be more in-depth and feature a heavy presence by police.

Nathan Peacey, a partner at Bond Pearce, claimed that police seem to be arresting people at all levels of an organisation when investigating corporate manslaughter, suggested they are unsure of how to proceed with the offences.

Steffan Groch, partner and head of regulatory at DWF, added: "You have this window of opportunity to do something to avoid being prosecuted for corporate manslaughter, so I'd look at the culture of your business."

In addition, partner at Osborn Abas Hunt Madeline Abas said that she has seen an increase in interest over corporate manslaughter from her clients since the new legislation was introduced.

Earlier this month, the director of an East Sussex firm received a 12-month prison sentence for gross negligence manslaughter, after an employee died while working at height.