No manslaughter charges


Last month, the HSE announced that it will be taking over from the West Midlands Police in the investigation into the death of five workers at a metal recycling plant in Birmingham in July 2016. This is a clear signal that there will be no manslaughter charges. 


Crown Prosecution Service information on corporate manslaughter explains that: “The police will lead an investigation if a criminal offence (other than under health and safety law) is suspected”. 


If the decision is not to prosecute for corporate (or individual) manslaughter then the file is handed to the HSE which then takes a decision as to whether it should bring charges against the company and/or individuals under health and safety law.


http://press.hse.gov.uk/2017/hse-to-take-lead-of-investigation-into-death-of-five-workers-at-birmingham-recycling-plant