Changes aim for swifter justice over workplace deaths
Health & Safety update 07/11/2011
Since the 1st of October, more health and safety
prosecutions will take place before Inquests as changes to a key
agreement between those who investigate and prosecute work-related
deaths seek to speed up justice. This only affects England and
Wales.
The revised protocol will allow prosecution before Inquest where
manslaughter or homicide charges are not relevant – if it is
considered appropriate and in the interest of justice.
The changes to the Work-Related Deaths Protocol (WRDP), should
mean that bereaved families see swifter justice. The changes were
announced by the Work Related Deaths National Liaison Committee
(NLC) and are supported by the Coroners' Society.
Richard Daniels, Chair of the NLC, said, "All signatories are
committed to seeking justice for bereaved family members, when a
work-related death has occurred and someone should be held to
account. The change will help us deliver this justice more
effectively and sooner in less complex cases. The NLC has worked
closely with the Coroners' Society to agree the changes and they
support this swifter resolution of prosecutions in some cases. We
also welcome the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Chief Fire
Officers' Association as formal signatories of the revised
protocol."
If you would like further information,
and already subscribe to
RBS
Mentor, please call
the Advice
Service. If you would like more information on
how Mentor could help your business in situations like this and
many others, contact
us today for
information.
Next story - Call to delay Lofstedt
report
Previous story - Environmental Permitting
in England and Wales