Health and safety

Our lawyers have unrivalled expertise advising insurers on construction related Health & Safety matters under various insurance policies.

Health and safety

Our lawyers have unrivalled expertise advising insurers on construction related Health & Safety matters under various insurance policies.

We advise insurers, insureds both the entity and/or its directors/employees on all aspects of an investigation by the Police, HSE or other enforcing authority and represent clients throughout all stages of an investigation and / or prosecution and on civil claims that may arise from the incident.

With our years of experience advising insurers and their insureds in the construction industry, the technical construction issues that surround an incident are well understood beyond the pure regulatory aspects of Health and Safety.

Our services offer advice on coverage issues relating to H&S claims, on Health & Safety legislation and regulations, what to do after an adverse site inspection, an incident on site, attendance and representation at Coroner’s Inquests, regulatory offences, interviews both voluntary and under caution, hearings, sentencing and plea bargaining and extends to advising and handling the civil claims that may arise.

We also advise on the ongoing commercial position of clients and advise on contractual commitments to a project and involvement in any remedial issues following an incident on site to try to prevent or minimise any civil claims that may arise out of a health and safety issue.

We have expertise, representing all the different stakeholders, in the most serious of offences, including corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter as well as a variety of matters involving health and safety and fire safety breaches.

We are particularly well known for our awareness of the emotional impact these incidents can have on individuals and are often instructed for the necessary care that we give to these matters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.