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Posted By Alan Hewett
Could anyone shed some light on this for me?
With regards to elected members in a local authority environment I am trying to ascertain which section of the health and safety at work act could be applied to them regarding criminal liabilities.
Would it be section 36 or 37?
I was under the impression that it would be section 36 but I have been given opinions to the contrary that it would be section 37.
Any thoughts?
Alan
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Posted By Alan Hoskins
Alan,
I don't think individual Members have criminal liabilities because the Council only acts as a Corporate Body. Members have no powers outside of that body.
Alan
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Posted By Alan Hewett
Alan,
Thanks for your response.
Dependant on the constitution of the Authority its cabinet (consisting of a group of members) or, in the case of executive decision making powers, individual members, can make decisions which can impact directly on how an Authority conducts it undertakings, which in certain scenarios could have health and safety implications. So I think that there can be a (potential) link even if it would be tenuous or deemed to be highly unlikely to occur, though of course I'm not sure which is why I appreciate yours and other forum users comments. If such a link does or could exist I want to ensure that members are aware of any potential (criminal) liabilities they could face.
Please note that I'm researching information that will eventually form part of a briefing for members on their health and safety roles and responsibilities as opposed to dealing with a specific incident.
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Posted By Jeffrey Watt
Alan
http://www.hse.gov.uk/en...dentifying/directors.htm
May give some insight.
I would opine that if you have 20 members in your council, 5 of which form an executive and the other 15 form up oversight committees I would imagine that the 5 that form the executive are the same as directors (s 37) and the others would be the same as employees or trespassers (s36).
Spider, my barrister agrees but it's early yet for him, he's still a bit groggy.
Jeff
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Posted By Alan Hewett
Jeff,
Thanks a lot for that, the link is really useful.
Let me know if spider offers an opinion as the day progresses.
Thanks again
Alan
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