Corporate manslaughter

The Corporate Manslaughter & Corporate Homicide Act 2007 came into force on 6 April 2008.  Earlier this year Cotswold Geotechnical (Holdings) Limited was the first company found guilty of corporate manslaughter at Bristol County Court.

A second company has been charged under the Act following the death of an employee who fell through a roof.

As well as the company being charged with corporate manslaughter it is charged under Section 2 and 33 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for failing to ensure the safety at work of its employees.

The three company directors have also been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and under Section 37 of the same Act.

The prosecution of this company illustrates the risk to employers if they do not properly look after the health and safety of employees.

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