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Date: 19^th February 2004

Embargo: 00:01am 20^th February 2004

Attention: Newsdesks, Health, Business and Social Affairs Correspondents

Trade unions and lawyers call for new laws to prevent workplace deaths

In the wake of recent fatalities in Wales, the tragic death of 20 Chinese cockle pickers and four railway workers, trade unions and lawyers in Wales are this morning (20^th February) calling upon the government for urgent new laws on corporate manslaughter

The Wales TUC and Thompson’s Solicitors are jointly hosting a hard hitting morning Conference on Friday 20th February at Cardiff University to outline the need for new laws on corporate manslaughter.

The families of three Welsh workers, killed at work, will re-live their experiences at this mornings Conference and give their calls for greater protection at work and a new Corporate Killing law.

The purpose of the conference is to explain why the legislation is needed, what it should contain and the timetable for the introduction of new legislation.

Speakers will include Huw Irranca Davies MP who has been involved in a particular case at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant where Crown immunity still applies, Mick Antoniw of Thompsons Solicitors will talk about a number of recent incidents and examples within Wales and the West County, alongside Courtney Davis from the Centre for Corporate Accountability.

David Jenkins , General Secretary of the Wales TUC will be chairing the Conference, and is in no doubt about the need for a new law. He said;

'February has been the worst month in the lives of many families across the world because their loved ones were killed in workplaces across the UK.

'That so many people in Wales are still killed at work every year is little short of a disgrace for a modern 21^st Century country and all those who ardently campaign for lower standards at work.

'Too many people in Wales have to work everyday in dangerous conditions and the only way they can be protected is by strong corporate killing laws'.

Mick Antoniw of trades union solicitors Thompsons said:

'Existing law is too weak. Too many employers treat health and safety as a soft option. And it is just too easy to cut corners on safety to increase profitability.

'We desperately need clearer and stronger laws to ensure that employers fulfil their safety obligations. This should include increased fines, punitive damages, disqualification of directors and where a clear line of responsibility is established the use of custodial sentences. Current penalties are a joke and are just not taken seriously.

'In 1992 Jack Straw promised that those who caused the death of innocent people through criminal negligence should be made to pay. It is now time for the Government to deliver those new laws."

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Notes to Editors

• Correspondents, photographers and cameras are welcome to report the event. Interview opportunities will be available.

· The Conference will take place at the Glamorgan Building of Cardiff University on Edward V11 Avenue . Coffee: 10am, Start: 10.30am. A buffet lunch will be provided and the event is free of charge.

• Media Enquiries for this event: Darron Dupre: 029 2034 7014. Mick Antoniw can be contacted on 07889 731768

• In Wales in 2002 there were 22 fatal injuries in the workplace and 1,377 major injuries. 5,853 workers had to take to their sick beds for at least three days because they had been injured at work. And 376 members of the public were injured while visiting business premises. The Health & Safety Executive reports that at least 70 per cent of accidents such as these are caused by health and safety management failures and could be prevented.

Press release (700 words) issued 20 Feb 2004