Employers told to be more health and safety conscious

Employers should be held more responsible for occupational and safety mistakes, according to a recent poll.

More than nine in ten health and safety professionals surveyed by business advisors Croner, believed bosses needed to face up to their health and safety responsibilities.

During 2003 and 2004 an alarming 235 employees were killed in the workplace, a figure which may result in Chief Executives becoming more vulnerable to intense investigation, prosecution and even imprisonment.

Roy Thornley, author of the book Corporate Manslaughter, said: “Directors shouldn't think they cannot be made to personally pay for taking human life. Society is fast becoming less tolerant of employers who ignore a person's right to have their health and safety protected from the risks associated with corporate activity.”

The report is being backed by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and calls for a bill to be passed, making it compulsory for bosses to become more accountable for health and safety issues.

The poll will act as a warning to small firms, with a large proportion operating without adequate insurance to protect themselves.

With corporate manslaughter high on the legislative agenda, Croner is urging businesses to draw up a plan, highlighting key management imperatives to follow.

Thornley said, “Board members may mistakenly believe that they can easily shirk their health and safety responsibilities through delegating the role down to the lower ranks and insulating themselves from the problem.

"Work-related deaths should be preventable and are caused by employer failure to take reasonable care for the safety of peoples' lives.”