New act will lead to more prosecutions
June 27, 2008
The Corporate Manslaughter Act will lead to more companies being successfully prosecuted for health and safety breaches, according to industry figures.
It comes after the news that the owner of a fireworks depot and his son are to face trial accused of the manslaughter of two firefighters.
Norman Selwyn, a leading authority in employment law, claims previous legislation was only efficient in prosecuting small companies because it was possible to identify the managing director and the company as being the same thing which was not possible with large organisations.
The Corporate Manslaughter Act will lead to around 12 or more prosecutions a year he claims and the clarification in the law will lead to the majority being successful.
"Now the playing field is level because large companies and small companies are all in the firing line - government departments, local authorities can all be prosecuted under this act," Mr Selwyn stated.
He praised the new legislation for taking strides to hold companies to account for workplace deaths but believes it could have gone further by placing specific health and safety duties on company directors.
The new legislation came into force in April this year.
It comes after the news that the owner of a fireworks depot and his son are to face trial accused of the manslaughter of two firefighters.
Norman Selwyn, a leading authority in employment law, claims previous legislation was only efficient in prosecuting small companies because it was possible to identify the managing director and the company as being the same thing which was not possible with large organisations.
The Corporate Manslaughter Act will lead to around 12 or more prosecutions a year he claims and the clarification in the law will lead to the majority being successful.
"Now the playing field is level because large companies and small companies are all in the firing line - government departments, local authorities can all be prosecuted under this act," Mr Selwyn stated.
He praised the new legislation for taking strides to hold companies to account for workplace deaths but believes it could have gone further by placing specific health and safety duties on company directors.
The new legislation came into force in April this year.
More Corporate manslaughter news:
Corporate manslaughter understanding 'will come from case' - April 29, 2009First corporate manslaughter charge issued - April 24, 2009
Firms 'can avoid corporate manslaughter' - March 24, 2009
Road accidents 'can cause corporate manslaughter cases' - February 4, 2009
Essex councils join HSE in 'myth busting' - October 15, 2008
