Other sectors have had to comply with the regulations for the last two years, but this sector was given a two-year transitional period, which expired on 6 April. Employers will have a new responsibility to protect their employees' hearing and should consider conducting a noise risk assessment, taking steps to reduce noise where necessary and ensure the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded.
Employees must be informed of the changes and provided with hearing protection and checks where necessary. Employers may also want to ensure employees sign a form confirming they understand their responsibilities and hearing protection has been provided if necessary.
The Corporate Manslaughter Act also came into force on 6 April 2008. It holds executives responsible when corporate negligence results in death at work. The law leaves companies facing a criminal conviction and unlimited fines following fatal accidents if there has been gross failure by senior managers.
Not only does the law increase the pressure on UK boardrooms, but businesses will need to take a fresh look at whether they are covered financially for the worst. Businesses should review their existing risk management procedures which are unlikely to provide adequate protection to new exposures introduced under the new legislation.
(Lee Baldock)
