Draft manslaughter bill falls short of government promises, says Prospect

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Draft manslaughter bill falls short of government promises, says Prospect

Government proposals for a new offence of corporate manslaughter have been welcomed by the union representing professional staff in government and the Health and Safety Executive.



On behalf of 104,000 members, including 1,750 staff in HSE, Prospect assistant general secretary Mike Clancy said:

"After many years of waiting we see the draft bill as an important step in bringing organisations that have shown a flagrant disregard for health and safety to account. While we welcome the fact that the new offence will not be restricted by Crown immunity we are still waiting for further legislation to fulfil the government’s commitment to abolish this feudal throwback.

"Safety professionals know that the first line of defence in ensuring workplace health and safety is compliance with workplace safety legislation, policed through regular inspection and enforcement. This draft bill is a welcome addition to that armoury by making rogue employers who flout the law accountable for their actions.

"However, because the government has dithered for four years in bringing this bill forward, and has only produced it on the eve of a general election, it must be made a priority by any new government in the next parliament."

Latest statistics from HSE for the year 2003-04 show the number of fatal injuries rose to 235 – an increase of 4% on the previous year – while serious injuries to employees rose to 30,666 – up 9%.