Is there a trend towards a rise in the number of health and safety prosecutions brought against directors and senior managers?

Yes, particularly gross negligence manslaughter. Compared with enforcement action taken in 2013, the number of prosecutions involving company officers has almost doubled, with over a third of those convicted receiving an immediate or suspended custodial sentence. Enforcement statistics released over recent years demonstrate the extent to which directors are increasingly being held accountable for the failings of their businesses. Whilst high risk areas, such as working at height, workplace transport and gas safety, will remain enforcement priorities for the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities, it is predicted that the adequacy of an organisation’s safety culture and management behaviour is likely to become the subject of more frequent and targeted investigation.