|
For
Immediate Release
HSE report says that new offence of
‘Corporate Killing" will improve safety
and increase accountability
A report published this week by the HSE states that
the new corporate manslaughter legislation:
"should
act as a powerful deterrence to help prevent needless
injuries and deaths whilst at the same time punishing
the grossly negligent." (19)
It
goes onto conclude that:
"The
HSE’s role in regulating, enforcing and monitoring
safety corporate governance has been successful
in improving [the] state of industrial safety in
the UK. This position is likely to be strengthened
further by the [proposed] legislation on corporate
manslaughter." (p.53).
The
report, "The role of managerial leadership
in determining workplace safety outcomes",
was written by the University of Aberdeen for the
HSE. To download this report, Click
Here (PDF).
| • |
To
read about the current law of manslaughter, Click
Here |
| • |
To
read about the proposed new offence of 'corporate
killing' click
here |
The
report's conclusions, also provides support for those
who argue that the Government should impose safety
duties upon company directors. It states:
"decisions
made at senior levels will affect the priorities
attitudes and behaviours of managers and employees
lower down the organisational hierarchy, and be
a critical driver on the emphasis that front line
managers place on the competing values of safety
and productivity."(19)
It
goes onto conclude that:
"the
studies which have been conducted highlights that
top managers attitudes and decisions are critical
drivers in setting the priorities of the organisation.
Their styles of leadership are also likely to impact
on the styles, behaviours and priorities of those
below them in the organisational hierarchy."(p.53)
The
Government committed itself to legislating on directors
duties in its strategy statement, 'Revitalising Health
and Safety', published in 2000. Action Point 11 stated:
The Health
and Safety Commission will develop a code of practice
on Directors' responsibilities for health and safety,
in conjunction with stakeholders. It is intended
that the code of practice will, in particular, stipulate
that organisations should appoint an individual
Director for health and safety, or responsible person
of similar status (for example in organisations
where there is no board of Directors).
The Health
and Safety Commission will also advise Ministers
on how the law would need to be changed to make
these responsibilities statutory so that Directors
and responsible persons of similar status are clear
about what is expected of them in their management
of health and safety. It is the intention
of Ministers, when Parliamentary time allows, to
introduce legislation on these responsibilities."
| • |
To
read more about 'revitalising health and safety'
Click
Here |
Return
to Press Releases
Notes to Editors
- The
Centre for Corporate Accountability is an independent
nonprofit advice, research and lobbying group at
the forefront of seeking to ensure that health and
safety law is properly enforced and that deaths
and injuries resulting from corporate activities
are subject to adequate criminal investigations,
and, where appropriate, prosecution and effective
sanctions. It's charitable activities are funded
by Joseph Rowntrees Charitable Trust.
The Centre runs a Work Related Death Advice Service
Back to the Top
|
