Keith Bradley, minister of state at the Home Office, said the law that could see companies charged with 'corporate manslaughter' was a manifesto commitment.
Although he would not give a date, he said a draft Bill is expected and reforms could be on the statute book within 18 months.
A new offence is also proposed for directors who are found to have contributed to 'corporate killing'. However, Bradley said no decision had been made on whether directors would be jailed if found guilty or what other sanctions would be imposed.
The Home Office's new legislation would make it compulsory for companies to name one director personally responsible for health and safety.It could also see companies facing unlimited fines and having their assets frozen.
The proposals have been criticised by the Confederation of British Industry, which said it feared employers would be left defenceless and that a 'blame culture' will develop.
Source
The Facilities Business