Small and medium-sized enterprises could be at risk if they fail to understand health and safety (H&S), according to a new report.
The study, which was published this week by the Health and Safety Commission and the Institute of Directors, could be used as a legal document against company directors who face prosecution for bad H&S practice, according to one expert.
Steffan Groch, H&S partner at law firm DWF, claims that the new guidance should be adhered to and that despite its voluntary status could be used against companies.
"Directors should make sure that they read and follow the guidance. They should now review the organisation's safety management systems and revisit their contracts of employment," he said.
He added: "Although the guidance is not a new law in itself, breach of it can be used as evidence in criminal proceedings under the existing legislation."
Earlier this week the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health said that businesses could be at risk if perceiving H&S law as a low risk problem.
