Corporate manslaughter warning
November 27th 2009 CTFS has urged industry to beware of corporate manslaughter legislation and ensure compliance by obtaining Thorough Examinations through companies accredited to the CFTS Thorough Examination scheme. CFTS is the organisation founded as a joint initiative between the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) and the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) – to develop and administer that industry’s national accreditation scheme for Thorough Examination. Chairman John Chappell said the economic downturn is leading some businesses to fall foul of the Corporate Manslaughter Act with the directors and managers of small and medium enterprises often most at risk of prosecution. “Hard times and poor cash flow can tempt some fork lift truck users into delaying their annual Thorough Examination,” added Chappell. “But, the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter Act (CMA) makes it more important than ever before to ensure your fork lift trucks have valid Reports of Thorough Examination. “Neglecting this statutory requirement exposes you to unnecessary risks if there is an accident. Firms can now be found guilty of corporate manslaughter as a result of serious management failures amounting to a gross breach of a relevant duty of care.” Under the law, firms can be fined up to 10 per cent of annual turnover. More articles from Handling & Storage Solutions: | 
