The first Corporate  Manslaughter case under the new legislative  framework is now under way at Bristol Crown Court.  Peter Eaton, a director of Cotswold Geotechnical  Holdings, is charged with corporate manslaughter  following the death of junior geologist Alexander Wright last year. Mr Wright was extracting soil  samples whilst excavating a pit when the sides of the pit collapsed and he was crushed.

Mr Eaton faces a charge of gross negligence, whilst the company faces charges over breaches of health & safety. The new provisions of the Corporate  Manslaughter and Homicide Act 2008 were designed to make prosecutions against negligent companies easier. Mark Owen, Peninsula Solicitor said today, "This case just highlights the need for a strict  health & safety policy in every workplace, no  matter what the nature of the job at hand.  Employers should bear in mind that if they think  Health & Safety is expensive, then you should  see the financial implications of having an accident."

If you want to ensure your  business doesn't fall victim to the potential  danger of corporate manslaughter, ring the  Peninsula Health & Safety Advice Service on  0844 892 2785.