Media Release: Bosses to get advice on avoiding prosecution under new corporate homicide legislation

AN important seminar highlighting the dangers facing companies from corporate homicide legislation is to take place at the University of Stirling next week (Nov 10).

Kelvin TOP-SET, the world’s leading incident investigations specialists have teamed-up with legal experts, Bell and Scott, to provide an in-depth and constructive seminar on how companies can avoid situations that could lead to prosecution.

Says a spokesperson: “A string of high-profile disasters has led to public clamour for business leaders to be held accountable and personally prosecuted.

“Now, with companies facing tougher financial penalties and individual directors or senior managers potentially  under threat of prison sentences, the TOP-SET Assured seminar has been devised to save lives and the possible legal consequences of a preventable incident.

“TOP-SET Assured is about being pro-active rather than reactive and the first tutorial for companies in Scotland is to take place at Stirling Management Centre, University of Stirling on Tuesday November 10.”

Said David Ramsay, managing director of Kelvin TOP-SET: “During the seminar, we will outline our proven means of testing and assessing the readiness of a company to meet the challenge of a police and/or health and safety investigation that could lead to a prosecution.

“We see it as the equivalent of a health check on an organisation’s ability to respond to a fatal accident. We will use discussion, interview and role play on the day to assess and assist managing directors and key personnel in dealing with regulators, the media and the families involved.

“The other thing we will be teaching is how to identify weaknesses in existing systems so the likelihood of future accidents can be minimised.”

Kelvin TOP-SET has more than 22 years experience in the incident investigation field and is used by major companies around the world in many sectors, including oil and gas, rail, road, shipping, construction, chemicals and explosives manufacturing.

“Company directors and senior managers need to understand that they are more likely to be prosecuted and go to prison under common law while the company could face catastrophic consequences in terms of unlimited fines, naming and shaming,” said Rhona Wark, a partner with Bell & Scott, one of Scotland’s top legal firms.

“The new legislation is intended to implement a cultural change. It is no longer enough to simply have a book of safety practices on the office shelf which nobody really understands or implements.

“Provided companies take responsible action to advise staff and put suitable procedures in place to limit foreseeable risks they can prevent prosecution.”

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For further information please visit www.kelvintopset.com or www.bellscott.co.uk.

To book a place please call Pamela Craig on 01467 560007 or email pamela.craig@kelvintopset.com.

MEDIA RELEASE issued by Stop Press Media. You too can post your media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. Email here, for more information.

Contact: Fiona Mackay
Phone: 0141 952 4004
Email: fiona@stoppressmedia.com
Website: http://www.kelvintopset.com