Health and Safety Solicitors for HSE Investigations
When your business is facing allegations of something going wrong in a workplace which could affect people’s health, safety and well-being, an HSE investigation is likely to take place. Our health and safety solicitors are experts in their field and can support your business through an investigation.
Talk to one of our team members on 0330 111 3131
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a national regulator for health and safety in the workplace, acting in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
From offices to building sites, asbestos to near misses, anything that poses a risk to people’s safety and health in a working environment is liable to an HSE investigation if an issue is reported, or a concern is raised.
While most businesses will do what they can to mitigate circumstances where health and safety issues can arise, we know that, unfortunately, it cannot always go as planned.
Whether an employee has an accident and blames their employer for failure to adhere to standards or another issue is suspected or reported, it is crucial for business owners and those in charge of health and safety on-site to seek guidance from a legal professional.
The earlier that advice is sought from an experienced regulatory solicitor who regularly deals with businesses facing HSE investigations, the sooner you can understand where you stand and prepare anything that may be required as part of the proceedings.
What is the maximum fine for a health & safety breach?
There is no maximum fine for a health and safety breach. Potential fines are unlimited and will strongly depend on the nature of the issue if the business is found to be in breach of HSE guidance.
In addition to fines, imprisonment is also possible. As such, we cannot stress how important it is to seek legal advice from an experienced professional as soon as you hear that your business is under an HSE investigation.
To speak with our team, call us on 0161 969 3131 or fill out the confidential contact form opposite.
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HSE Inspections & Investigations
There are a multitude of reasons why businesses may face HSE investigations. These can range from minor process issues which are not to regulation, to very serious incidents if the injury or death of an employee is suspected to be due to poor health & safety protocol in the workplace.
Usually after their visit, an HSE inspector will do one of the following:
- offer advice (either verbal or in writing)
- give you a notification of contravention
- give you an improvement notice
- give you a prohibition notice
- prosecute you for breaching health and safety laws.
If further action is required, our team can provide a helping hand through each stage of the HSE investigation. From the auditing of risk assessments and current practices, through to representation at Court if it gets that far, you can rely on our regulatory specialists who will advise on your best approach and all possible outcomes so you are fully informed throughout proceedings.
Can HSE turn up unannounced?
It is not uncommon for a HSE inspector to arrive without warning. The law dictates that they can visit at any reasonable time, and although they may sometimes give notice, they don’t have to.
The HSE inspector must still adhere to their code of practice when entering business premises.
What can we help with?
Whatever the issue that the Health & Safety Executive is investigating, you can count on us to support you and provide legal guidance no matter the severity of the alleged incident or breach.
We will be by your side at every stage of the investigation, including, if necessary:
- Interview under caution (PACE)
- Criminal prosecution defence
- Coroner’s inquest representation
An overview of the areas we can support you in is below, although not exhaustive:
- Breach of asbestos regulation
- Breach of duty of employees while at work
- Breach of employer duty toward employees & non-employees
- Breach of food safety & food hygiene regulations
- Breach of Health & Safety Regulations
- Corporate manslaughter
- Data & document disclosure issues
- Directors’ duties & legal liabilities
- Enforcement notices & appeals
- Gross negligence manslaughter
- HSE & Local Authority requests for information