Withers Worldwide

Does your company have adequate health and safety management systems in place?

The Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008 (the "Act") came into force on 16 January 2009. While the Act introduces no new duties on employers or businesses, the effect of the Act is to introduce much tougher penalties and to bring an increased risk of imprisonment for individuals. For the first time an individual convicted of certain offences under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 that contemplate the prosecution of individuals, now faces the risk of a sentence of imprisonment. The Act will also have a significant impact on how health and safety issues will be dealt with in the context of commercial transactions.

Our corporate team has assisted a number of clients with their health and safety procedures and ensuring that a suitable reporting structure is built into clients' corporate governance.

For more information on this please see our related publication area to the right.