A SOLICITOR has warned that North East building firms need to ensure health and safety policies are up to scratch following the UK’s first corporate manslaughter prosecution.

Rod Searl, partner at Crutes Law Firm issued the warning ahead of today’s seminar for Constructing Excellence North East members on liaising with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) when disaster hits.

The one-hour seminar is being attended by over 40 national and regional construction companies, house builders, local authorities, housing associations, engineering firms and construction consultants at Crutes’ offices in Newcastle.

Searl, who is the head of litigation at Crutes, said: “The first conviction for corporate manslaughter has been on the cards since the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act was passed in 2007.

“I think it’s inevitable that this case will prompt an increase in prosecutions so it’s imperative that businesses develop and maintain a health and safety policy, actively implement it and review it on a regular basis. Just as importantly, businesses must be aware of how to react in the aftermath of an accident.”

The seminar is offering attendees a practical guide to what happens when an accident occurs on a construction site – and actions to take in the following hours.

It is also offering advice on how to deal with an incident properly and manage a visit by the HSE.

Searl, who has defended numerous high-profile health and safety prosecutions for companies and organisations in the public and private sector, added: “The main sector to be affected by the corporate manslaughter act will likely be the construction industry because, by its very nature, there is a higher risk of injury for employees.

“But the act will have an influence on all companies, and Crutes can help to advise businesses on their obligations and on how to respond should an accident occur.”