More than half of UK businesses are at risk of fines under pending legislation that will make it easier for firms to be convicted of manslaughter, it has been claimed.
According to legal guidance firm Croner, more than 50% of employers are not prepared for the new law, which is expected to come into force this year, and 47% believe that it will not affect them.
The legislation will mean that businesses, rather than individuals, could be prosecuted and face unlimited fines if management failings are judged to have caused the death of an employee or a member of the public.
The law currently states that an organisation can only be prosecuted if an individual in senior management is also found personally liable.
Stuart Mutch, field operations manager with Croner, said: “The complexity of current law has allowed companies with severe safety management failures to escape prosecution in manslaughter cases.
“In light of the new proposals, organisations that are not meeting current health and safety standards need to start reviewing structures and policies now, rather than later.”
Croner has advised businesses to implement ‘progressive’ health and safety policies involving regular staff training in preparation for the new legislation.
“Health and safety is the responsibility of the organisation as a whole, starting from senior management, and should be made as much of a priority as making a profit and service or product,” Mutch added.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
