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News Release from: The Forum of Private Business
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 27 July 2006
Forum welcomes corporate manslaughter
laws
The Forum of Private Business has cautiously welcomed new proposals aimed at cracking down on companies whose negligence leads to the death of their employees, or members of the public.
The Forum of Private Business has cautiously welcomed new proposals aimed at cracking down on companies whose negligence leads to the death of their employees, or members of the public The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill published this week, would enable courts to consider how a business' activities were managed by its senior managers, rather than focusing on the actions of an individual
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 7 Aug 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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The FPB's Chief Executive Nick Goulding said that, while the majority of smaller businesses had a good record on health and safety, the new laws helped to act as a timely reminder.
"The management of small firms are closer to the shop floor and, as a result, take a more active role in safeguarding employees and customers.
We welcome any move to encourage managers to think about the consequences of their actions and would advise that firms use this chance to question whether their health and safety practices need reviewing." The Government says the Bill has been introduced to bring legislation up to date with modern corporate life and make sure that firms who have failed in their duties are brought to justice.
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Mr Goulding wants a common-sense approach to be taken.
"This Bill must avoid putting an extra regulatory burden on small firms and help redress the balance between firms that are taking their responsibilities seriously and those that are not," he said.
The Bill will address companies in which staff are not properly trained and equipment is not in a safe condition.
Businesses providing goods and services to members of the public will be covered by the bill and, for the first time, public sector organisations will be on an equal footing with the private sector.
This is a move that the FPB wholeheartedly supports.
"Whether in the public or private sector, senior management must take their health and safety responsibilities seriously," Mr Goulding said.
Companies found guilty of corporate manslaughter would face an unlimited fine under the proposals.
Health and Safety Guide A successful business is dependent on the health and welfare of its employees and customers.
The business owner is responsible for ensuring a safe working environment and minimising risk created by the operation of the business.
The FPB's Health and Safety Guide is designed to help you do this with the minimum of fuss.
Easy-to-follow sections cover general and sector-specific guidance on complying with health and safety regulations and the 'comply-as-you-complete' format ensures the business owner can stay fully up-to-date with the law simply and easily.
Risk assessment forms covering general, fire and asbestos issues are available in both hard copy and electronic format, to help the business owner evaluate current risks, and essential contact details for a variety of useful third parties will ensure that all the information you need is always to hand.
"An excellent guide to health and safety issues which are very important to any business in this modern climate.
Easy to use and understand, with updates and changes as and when necessary.
An essential document to have at your side." Mairwyn Edwards, Islwyn Indoor Bowls Association Remember, all companies, regardless of size, must comply with health and safety law; let the FPB guide you through the hazards of compliance.
Prices Full members - £90 members Non-members - £190 *Above prices based on annual subscription.
The Forum of Private Business background The Forum of Private Business (FPB) was formed in 1977 and is a pressure group fighting on behalf of private businesses.
The FPB represents approximately 25,000 UK-based businesses, which employ in excess of 600,000 people, and is a powerful lobbying voice in both the UK and the European Union.
The FPB, as the only full UK member of UEAPME - the organisation that represents small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe - is the most prominent advocate of UK SMEs in Brussels and has a track record of positively affecting legislation prior to its introduction in the UK.
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