The Forum of Private Business has advised small firms to review health and safety procedures ahead of the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act.

From 6 April, business owners and company directors will be liable for the offence of corporate manslaughter if management practices cause a death or amount to a gross breach of duty of care. In addition to unlimited fines, punishments include publicity orders to expose firms’ wrongdoing. The forum said businesses should take out directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. The Act also largely removes Crown immunity for the common law corporate manslaughter offence. From 1992 to 2005, 3452 workers died in industrial accidents. There were charges in 34 cases, with seven convictions.

For information, go to www.justice.gov.uk

Source

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