This week we have seen the first prosecution under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act.

Cotswold Geotechnical have become the first company to be successfully convicted of Corporate Manslaughter. They were ordered to pay £385,000 after their gross negligence led to the tragic death of Alexander Wright. The geologist was working in an unsupported trench over 3 metres deep, when it caved in and he was buried by soil. Mr Wright was only 27 years old.

He had been working alone without supervision and in breach of industry guidelines that state workers can’t work in pits greater than 1.2 metres deep without supports due to the known risk of collapse.

The incident was investigated by the police with support from the Health and Safety Executive and the Court found that the company’s practice of digging trial pits was wholly and unnecessarily dangerous. Evidence also showed that Costwold Geotechnical had ignored industry guidelines.

It was said that, had the company fulfilled their legal obligation not to place their employees’ health at risk, this terrible incident would never have happened.

What this could mean for other Corporations who don’t follow guidelines is not yet known as Cotswold Geotechnical was a relatively small company with only one director who had been present at the site prior to the accident. This made this a particularly easy case to try under the act. When it comes to claims 1000 or more are made each month in the UK, many of which involve corporate outfits.

The corporations are however likely to be concerned  about the Judge’s comments that if the fine eventually put the company out of business that would be a consequence of the terrible breach that had been committed.

If you or any of your family have been injured while at work contact Perfect Claims now and one of our advisors will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.