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24/12/2008
Individuals 'face jail' under new safety legislation |
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Bosses who disregard risk management in the workplace could serve up to two years in jail next year, an insurance broker has warned.
Smart and Cook marketing director Peter Castle claims that directors and supervisors could be imprisoned under Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008, which aims to give courts the power to prosecute individuals who flout health and safety laws in the workplace.
Whereas the 2007 Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act was aimed at companies, this new legislation will target individuals
Mr Castle said the 2007 Act has been "hugely influential" in pressurising businesses and organisations into adopting comprehensive risk management strategies.
"The 2008 Act has been introduced amid concerns among MPs that existing punishments for individuals who knowingly breach health and safety laws are too low," he told the Sunderland Echo.
For a number of offences, the Act extends the maximum magistrates' court fine from £5,000 to £20,000.
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