New legislation making corporate killing an offence will leave small business open to prosecution, warned Norwich Union.
Under the new law, small businesses are equally as likely to be brought to trial as larger corporations, it said.
The new offence of corporate killing will allow a company to be sued without first needing to establish the guilt of an individual.
Norwich Union Risk Services training and consultancy manager Teresa Budworth, said: “We would recommend that all companies consult a competent person to advise them on how to control the risks arising from their activities.
“Risk assessment is a legal requirement and is a key part of any strategy to prevent accidents at work.
“Quite apart from the human costs, accidents have a major impact on a company's bottom line. A policy of controlling risks will usually make a company more competitive.”
