NSC-10-27 The Legal Response to Major Accidents

Description:

A major industrial accident, such as a fire, explosion, or toxic release, poses unique challenges for an organization and its managers. The first concern is for the safety of employees, contractors, and the general public. Such events, however, have immediate reputational, legal, and business implications. In addition to media and public scrutiny, companies confront investigations from an alphabet soup of governmental agencies. Plaintiffs’ counsel move quickly to file suits for personal injuries and property damages. Effectively responding to a major accident requires a prompt, sure-footed approach. Knowing what to expect from a legal perspective and being able to respond to a rapidly evolving situation is key. This presentation will discuss new realities in responding to corporate crises including a newly emergent Chemical Safety Board, continued jockeying between OSHA and EPA, and the increased spectre of criminal prosecutions.