Corporate Manslaughter: wake-up call on health and safety for bosses

摘要

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 becomes law on the April 6. It has been a long time coming, with many believing it would linger in Parliament and then, eventually, be forgotten about. This long-awaited piece of legislation is the culmination of years of campaigning by government ministers and trade unions. However, while many claim this is a significant legal landmark, others have argued it does not go far enough. The act's detractors say that punishments for those found guilty of causing deaths in the workplace should be tougher. Whatever your opinion of the act, it is undeniably a wake-up call to businesses to get their health and safety houses in order. Businesses must invest in appropriate and relevant management systems to protect their workforce - and avoid potentially devastating consequences. The act essentially puts the law on corporate manslaughter on to a new footing.