Director's jail threat

A law firm has claimed senior managers and company directors are at greater risk of custodial sentences for health and safety breaches under proposed new legislation.

Stefan Groch, from DWF, claims the Health and Safety (Offences) Bill, which will raise the maximum fine which can be imposed by lower courts to £20,000, will also allow more serious offences to be tried in higher courts.

In addition the legislation will make most breaches punishable with custodial prison sentences and Mr Groch believes there is now more responsibility on business leaders to act on health and safety especially as the Corporate Manslaughter Act has come into force.

"The bill has particularly strong implications for directors and senior managers. They should … [ensure] all the right policies and procedures are in place and that there is a clear chain of command with regard to health and safety," he said.

Anne McGuire, the junior work and pensions minister has welcomed the bill, saying the penalties imposed on companies should reflect the seriousness of the offence committed.