Health and safety

Our lawyers have unrivalled expertise in this sector, representing leading construction firms and their insurers. With our years of construction industry experience, the technical issues that may surround an incident are well understood.

Health and safety

We advise companies and individuals on all aspects of an investigation by the Police, HSE, Environment Agency or other enforcing authority. We represent clients where enforcement action is taken and through prosecutions.

Our services and advice covers: the immediate aftermath and when the Inspector calls; attendance at interviews under caution; insurance coverage analysis and liaison; attendance and representation at coroners’ inquests; enforcement action and the response; representation through prosecutions to trial; sentencing and plea bargaining; and handling the civil claim(s).

Our expertise includes corporate manslaughter; gross negligence manslaughter; and breaches of health and safety, fire safety and environmental legislation and regulations. We are particularly aware of how these incidents can impact on all those involved and can empathise accordingly.

Recent experience includes: representation in relation to a high profile public inquiry; fire-related incidents, collapse of structures on infrastructure, building projects and power stations.

Our Health and safety Experience

Grenfell Tower

Acting in relation to the multiple fatalities which occurred on 14 June 2017 when a fire engulfed Grenfell Tower. This is the subject of a Public Inquiry as well as an extensive Police, London Fire Brigade and HSE investigation. The advice and assistance being provided is in relation to all the potential proceedings arising out of this tragedy including the Public Inquiry, any Criminal proceedings, any Civil Proceedings and any Inquests.

Gerrards Cross Tunnel collapse

Acting in relation to the Gerrards Cross Tunnel Collapse. A structural failure occurred during the creation of tunnel arches near a railway line, causing the line to be blocked by collapsed arches. Our principal role was advising our client in dealing with the HSE and the Office of Rail and Road, including requests for interview under caution, mandatory requests for documents and written voluntary response to 106 detailed factual and legal questions. Ultimately no prosecution was commenced against our client.

Trial in relation to the multiple fatality at Severn Bridge

Acting in relation to a multiple fatality when a gantry fell from the Severn Bridge. We successfully defended the prosecution against our client at trial.

Enquiry into the death of Tommy Hollis

Acting in relation to the investigation into the death of Tommy Hollis, tragically killed after being hit by a lamppost in London, UK. Representation through investigation and Coroner’s Inquest. No prosecution of our client.

Buncefield Oil Terminal

Acting in relation to the HSE and Environment Agency investigation into the explosion and fire at the Buncefield Oil Terminal. The HSE/EA did not proceed against our client.

Chevron Oil Refinery explosion

Acting in relation to a multiple fatality at the Chevron Oil Refinery. An explosion and fire occurred while a process tank was being taken out of service for maintenance with the loss of four lives and one worker seriously injured. The Police and HSE investigation is complete. Our client was not prosecuted.

Ilford Church collapse

Acting in relation to the collapse of a five-storey church building in Ilford after the metal framework of the structure gave way resulting in property damage We provided advice to the client on both the criminal and civil risks arising and continue to assist on both aspects.

HMS Belfast gangway collapse

A pedestrian walkway from the Embankment onto the HMS Belfast warship collapsed into the Thames leading to minor injuries and the evacuation of 170 people including up to 30 schoolchildren. We assisted our client throughout the HSE investigation. There was no prosecution of our client.