Britain Readies Employers for Corporate Homicide Law
With the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 taking effect on April 6, a special event is planned this week to help raise awareness among employers of their responsibilities. The South Wales Working Well Together Group is holding a mock "interview under caution" event in Cardiff, Wales, on March 6 to show how a senior manager from a small to medium-sized construction company would handle a post-accident interview by police, who are assisted by the HSE. The interview will takesplace in front of an audience of representatives from the construction industry.
Chantal Nicholls, HSE's Principal Inspector for Construction in Wales, said a similar event last year was a success, so the group decided to run another one this year -- and the new legislation gave them an obvious theme. "The interview is a nerve-wracking experience. The scenario is made up, but the line of questioning is exactly the same as any employer could expect if they find themselves the subject of a joint investigation by the Police and HSE. Many who saw last year’s event said it really helped them focus their mind on health and safety issues and served as a reminder about what happens following an incident," she said.
The event will be free for people who work in the construction industry.