22/12/2009 by Geoff.

I recently heard that a young girl had gone missing in a super market.

On hearing of the occurence the super market implemented a lock down - you couldn’t get into or out of the shop!

Subsequently the child was found in the toilets with two strangers. She had been groomed for kidnapping - the attempt failed due to quick thinking and having an emergency plan.

Has your business got one? 

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22/12/2009 by Geoff.

Directors, employers and employees need to be aware of the harsher sentences for Health & Safety breaches contained within the Health & Safety Offences Act, which came into force on January 16^th 2009.  The Act does not create any new offences but increases the maximum penalties available to the Courts in respect of many health & safety offences.There are significantly increased powers to imprison by altering the penalty framework set out in the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, which was considered too cautious with regards to criminalising offenders.  The new law reflects the current view that health & safety offences should be taken more seriously and that health & safety issues should be given more priority by companies.  It is primarily aimed at those who cut corners, thereby potentially putting workers and the public at risk.Most breaches of the Act will now potentially carry a custodial sentence of 12 months imprisonment for a conviction in a

and 2 years for a conviction in a Crown Court.  Fines which may be imposed by a

have been increased from £5,000 to £20,000, whilst fines imposed by a Crown Court remain unlimited.Prosecutions for health & safety breaches can be brought alongside prosecutions brought under the Corporate Manslaughter Act (see website article article).What action should companies be taking to protect themselves?·           Undertake a “healthcheck” of the existing safety management system to identify level of compliance to legislative requirements and best practice·           Ensure suitable and sufficient risk assessments are in place for any significant hazards·           Consult regularly with employees in respect of any issues which may affect them·           Provide suitable Information, Instruction and Training to enable employees to execute their duties in a safe manner·           Conduct regular reviews of the Arrangements in place to ensure they remain suitable

·           Ensure support and advice is provided by a competent person

Or just contact EMS at enquiries@emseff.co.uk

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