Harsher fines and punishments for public liability insurance holders found guilty of corporate manslaughter do not go far enough, according to an industry body.
Richard Jones, policy and technical director of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), said that using a percentage of annual turnover, or equivalent, in setting fines would have helped ensure convicted organisations felt the financial impact more equally.
His words come as new sentencing guidelines ruled that firms stand to be fined at least £500,000, with most also getting 'publicity orders', requiring guilty partners to publicise their offence.
"Remedial orders should also address the vital need for deep-seated cultural issues to be tackled where these have contributed to the offence," added Mr Jones.
Among other things, IOSH said that effective sentencing will raise health and safety standards and ensure confidence in the justice system.
The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 is a landmark in law, which allows firms to be found guilty as a result of serious management failures resulting in a gross breach of a duty of care.