The UK’s Health and Safety Executive has invited construction firm managers to attend a mock trial to see first hand what can happen when a worker is injured.
To be held as a mock criminal trial at a 17th Century Sessions House Court, the company and the director of a fictional company will be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). For full effect, and no doubt to speed up what is usually a lengthy process, a verdict will be delivered on the day, according to the HSE.
The trial has been organised as part of a Working Well Together campaign, focussing on the construction industry, particularly small operators.
The Magistrates, says the HSE, will judge the case on the facts and arguments presented by prosecution and defence teams. Attendees will have an opportunity to question the presumably real lawyers.
"As a director or senior manager, your job is to make sure that things go right for your business and your workers aren't put at unnecessary risk. With the best will, things can still go wrong. This mock trial aims to explain what can happen when a worker is hurt and the HSE decides to prosecute,” said Health and Safety awareness officer, Sharon Geeson.