New guidance on corporate manslaughter

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act comes into force on 6 April 2008. The Ministry of Justice has produced a leaflet and a guide to help explain the implications. We look at what it offers and revisit the new Act.

The Act introduces a new offence, across the UK, for prosecuting companies and other organisations where there has been a gross failing, throughout the organisation, in the management of health and safety with fatal consequences. Read our previous briefing on the new Act.

The two leaflets are a short introduction and a longer more detailed guide.

Introduction to the Act

This leaflet is intended to provide a general introduction to the new Act, explaining how the new offence of corporate manslaughter/homicide works and where it will apply. It is intended to provide fundamental information to employers, senior managers and others seeking an overview of the new legislation.
Detailed guidance on implementation of the Act

This publication provides fuller a guide to the new Act, including which organisations are covered, the sort of incident to which it applies and those that are exempt and the test that will be applied by the courts. It is intended for those who need to know how the new Act will work in some detail, including health and safety managers and professionals.

Read the new bill for yourself here - Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007