The Sentencing Guidelines Council published the new consultation guideline on 28th October 2009.
(PRWEB) November 25, 2009 -- The Sentencing Guidelines Council published the new consultation guideline on 28th October 2009.
Fines for organisations found guilty of the new offence of corporate manslaughter may be measured in millions of pounds and unlikely be less than £500,000.
The new sanction of Publicity Orders forcing companies and organisations to make a statement about their conviction and fine introduced under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act should be imposed in virtually all cases.
Andy Hawkes, CEO of Cardinus Risk Management commented:
“Companies need to be aware that failure to meet duty of care obligations will result in serious financial implications. Getting policies and processes right from board level down to the shop floor is essential”.
The guideline proposal, which also deals with health and safety offences in the workplace that cause death, suggests that fines in these cases should seldom be less than £100,000 and may be measured in hundreds of thousands of pounds or more.
In deciding the level of fine, the Council says that a court should not be influenced by the impact on shareholders and directors but the effect on the employment of the innocent may be relevant.
The Council’s full consultation guideline and letter to consultees are available on the SGC website (www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk) along with the Sentencing Advisory Panel’s advice to the Council.
Printed copies of the guideline may be obtained from:
The Sentencing Guidelines Secretariat
4th Floor, 8 – 10 Great George Street
London
SW1P 3AE
Tel: 0207 084 8130
Further information about the Council and Panel can be found at http://www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk/about/index.html.
The consultation closes on Tuesday 5th January 2010.
About Cardinus
Cardinus is a member company of THB Group plc and provides online injury reduction solutions and risk management within the safety, fleet and property sectors.
Established in 1995, Cardinus has an enviable track record of working with government and leading blue chip organizations. Cardinus provides solutions to customers across the United Kingdom, the US and worldwide. Solutions include 'Workstation Safety Plus' a software solution designed to reduce the risks associated with using DSE and ergonomics; a comprehensive fleet risk solution that combines in-vehicle driver training with online self-assessment; property solutions including fire risk surveys, asbestos assessment and a range of e-learning courses.
Visit www.cardinus.com or telephone 0207 469 0200
Cardinus Risk Management, Phoenix House, Cantelupe Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 3BE
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