Davidshaw’s Weblog

The introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 represents a substantial change in the management of health and safety. Coming into force on 6 April 2008, the new legislation will make it possible for companies and government bodies to face prosecution should gross management failure result in the death of a person – be they an employee, a member of the public or any other individual.

Under existing legislation, a company’s guilt is associated with the gross negligence of an individual considered to be the embodiment of the company. While this is straightforward with regards to small companies, it has posed a problem in prosecutions against larger employers. The new Act will effectively remedy the current situation by making it possible for an organisation’s senior management team to be held accountable.

With nearly 10 years’ experience in the field of lone worker safety and monitoring in excess of 17,000 lone workers, Argyll is the UK market leader in lone worker safety monitoring. Drawing on our experience, we would advise all organisations to evaluate their health and safety policies in light of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2007/ukpga_20070019_en_1