Corporate Manslaughter Legislation has Raised Awareness of the Need for Alcohol Policies

According to HR consultancy Jaluch, there has been an increasing number of employers asking for help in putting together alcohol policies.

Since August 2008 there has been an increase of 50% in this number due to the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act. Under this legislation, an employer who knowingly allows an employee to come to work under the influence of alcohol can be prosecuted.

A director at Jaluch, Gina Leccacorvi said: "Certain industries, particularly the rail and manufacturing industries, clamped down on this some time ago to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act, but now office-based firms are beginning to take heed.

"With lunchtime and evening networking a key part of working life for many city firms, imposing a no-alcohol policy has its challenges. But the risk of failing to have a clear policy in place can be high. Drinking during working hours impairs judgement which can put colleagues at risk."

Corporate Manslaughter Trial to Begin in February

Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings, who are the first company being charged under the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007 are expected to be tried next February, Bristol Crown Court was told today (19th August).

The company is being prosecuted under the Act, for the death of a geologist by gross negligence. The company's director, Peter Eaton is also charged with manslaughter under common law.
The deceased, Mr Alexander Wright, 27, was collecting soil samples from a trench, when the walls collapsed in on him.

Mr Eaton was due to enter his pleas at Bristol Crown Court, however, after an application for more time by his legal counsel, a plea hearing will now take place some time in October. The trial regarding the case however, has been provisionally set for 23rd February next year.

Corporate Killing Case Referred to Crown Court

Company director Peter Eaton has appeared before magistrates in Stroud to hear a charge of corporate manslaughter against his company, Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings.

The prosecution is the first to be brought under the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act. Eaton, 60, also faces a charge of gross negligence manslaughter, and both he and the company are accused of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The charges relate to the death of 27-year-old Alexander Wright, a junior geologist who was killed in September 2008 when he was buried beneath several tonnes of mud as he collected soil samples in a trench. It took rescue workers two days to recover his body.

No pleas were entered and Stroud magistrates referred the case to Bristol Crown Court, where Eaton will appear on 23 June.

Eaton, who told the court his position in the company was "principal or sole director", was granted unconditional bail.

This story first appeared on Health and Safety Professional