Directors are being warned that tougher penalties for corporate manslaughter are coming into force as the health and safety watchdog appears to be cracking down on serious negligence.New sentencing guidelines are being introduced at the turn of the year that will raise possible fines to £20 million. Directors of companies found guilty of corporate manslaughter can already face prison sentences of up to two years.
The number of criminal prosecutions brought by the unit of the Health and Safety Executive responsible for the most serious cases has more than doubled from 24 three years ago to 52,