HLE blogger Felicity Gerry takes a critical look at the investigation surrounding the deaths at Gleison Colliery
"It is important for bereaved families to know how and why their loved ones died. It is equally important that we hold corporate bodies to account for any failures which lead to unnecessary loss of life. The investigation into the deaths at Gleision Colliery is reported to be focusing on forensic testing at the scene. Meanwhile, vital proof of whether or not this was a corporate manslaughter, by systemic failure or not, will be sitting in the offices of the private owner and needs to be obtained and analysed.
The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 provides a power to prosecute organisations (rather than individuals) and, if convicted, those organisations can be the subject of a hefty fine reflecting the loss to the families as well as the level of systemic failure.
The National Union of Mine Workers is providing support to the grieving families but should also be putting pressure on the police to ensure that the investigation is wide ranging and complete.
In
