HSE/127/W/08 29 February 2008

Corporate manslaughter under the spotlight at WWT mock interview event in Cardiff

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 comes into force on 6 April 2008, and to help raise awareness of employers’ responsibilities under the new legislation, the South Wales Working Well Together Group (WWT) is holding a mock "interview under caution” event in Cardiff next month.

The event puts a senior manager from a small to medium sized construction company in a post-accident scenario, facing an interview by the Police, assisted by the HSE, in relation to the ‘incident’. The interview takes place in front of an audience made up of representatives from the construction industry.

HSE Principal Inspector for Construction in Wales, Chantal Nicholls, said: "Following the success of a similar event last year, the group decided to run another in 2008 and with the new legislation coming into force, this was the obvious theme.

"The interview is a nerve-wracking experience – the scenario is made up, but the line of questioning is exactly the same as any employer could expect if they find themselves the subject of a joint investigation by the Police and HSE.

"Many who saw last year’s event said it really helped them focus their mind on health and safety issues, and served as a reminder about what happens following an incident.”

The event is free for people in the construction industry, and is supported by the Working Well Together group, which brings together public and private sector bodies to promote good health and safety in the construction industry. There is also an opportunity to ask questions on the new law.

The event takes place at Pentwyn Leisure Centre, Cardiff on Thursday, March 6 starting at 8.30am. Anyone requiring more information or a copy of the event programme and booking form should contact Anne Redman or Sharon Holmes on 029 2026 3033.

To book a place at the event please email CEWalesEvents@constructingexcellencewales.org.uk

Notes to editors

1. The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 is a landmark in law. For the first time, companies and organisations can be found guilty of corporate manslaughter as a result of serious management failures resulting in a gross breach of a duty of care. The Act, which will come into force on 6 April 2008, clarifies the criminal liabilities of companies including large organisations where serious failures in the management of health and safety result in a fatality
2. The event is supported by the South Wales Working Well Together Group, which currently includes the following organisations: Cardiff County Council; Costain; Carillion; Leadbitter; Morgan Cole; National Federation of Builders; Nuttall; Constructing Excellence in Wales; Cowlin; Federation of Master Builders; Griffiths; HBG; Construction Skills; Redrow; Speedy, Torfaen County Borough Council; W.D. Turner; R&M Williams Ltd, Carmarthen County Council, Envirowise.

Public enquiries:

HSE InfoLine, Tel: 0845 345 0055, visit: hse.gov.uk/contact
or write to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.

Media enquiries only:

0844 800 6823.

Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by Government News Network Wales.