Geotechnical engineering firm Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings was convicted today of Corporate Manslaughter in the death of geologist Alexander Wright. The accident occurred when Mr. Wright had entered a test pit to take soil samples and was buried when the excavation collapsed. Rescuers had to dig for 48 hours to retrieve his body. This case was the first for the 2007 U.K. law regarding corporate manslaughter. According to Personnel Today, the minimum penalty will be a fine equal to 5% of the companies annual revenue, and could be as much as 10%. They will also be required to publicize their conviction. [Source: Bloomberg. Image: SWNS via New Civil Engineer]
