Employers could face ‘inevitable’ prosecution over COVID-19 infections, say lawyers

Just thought I’d share an excerpt of an article from our friends at the British Safety Council…

“Employers who fail to protect their staff from coronavirus could face prosecution even if there are no specific laws covering their duties in a pandemic situation, leading health and safety lawyers have said.”

John Cooper QC, Dominic Kay QC and Simon Antrobus QC, all barristers at Crown Office Chambers, were speaking at a seminar to discuss enforcement of Covid-19 guidance for workplaces.

Mr Antrobus said prosecutions will be inevitable: “There’s going to be a pressure to prosecute companies if there’s a cluster of cases of Covid-19 in a particular workplace, irrespective of prior enforcement notices from HSE.”…”

So folks, if you are in any doubt as to whether your ‘return to work’ risk assessments and control plan will stand up to scrutiny from HSE.gov – you can find some assistance here: COVID-19 Return to Work Services

Full article here: Safety Management Magazine

Author: Martin Smith, Managing Director & Training Director