We have developed a dedicated group of leading and junior Counsel who specialise in regulatory work, inquests and tribunals, both inquisitorial and disciplinary. We are well placed to deal with all facets of such work, both criminal and civil.
In the sphere of health and safety, we routinely defend corporate clients, employers and, progressively more, individuals at prosecutions brought in the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts.
We have acted in a wide range of cases involving many of the statutory frameworks that govern health and safety in the workplace, including litigation arising in relation to asbestos, electricity, noise, the control of substances hazardous to health, as well as the more conventional “Six Pack” Regulations.
We have expertise in the presentation of mitigation, both written and oral, in numerous health and safety prosecutions, for example, representing clients in prosecutions brought under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, sundry Asbestos Regulations and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations. These skills extend to securing alternative outcomes, such as Improvement Notices and Prohibition Notices.
In addition to trial advocacy, we offer a full advisory service, from the earliest stages of an HSE or indeed police investigation to the court door. This necessarily includes advice upon disclosure, potential conflicts of interest and interviews.
Ropewalk Chambers has a first class pedigree in addressing every aspect of civil claims arising from health and safety litigation. One reflection of that expertise is the involvement of members of the group in leading appellate authorities upon the impact of European Directives relevant to health and safety on national legislation, both primary and subordinate.
Members of the group include Treasury Counsel who undertake work on behalf of Government departments. They have significant experience of judicial enquiries, which necessarily enhances the strength and depth of the service provided. We also have particular knowledge of regulatory work associated with environmental protection.
“maintains its reputation for expertise in Health and Safety” – Legal 500
Group Newsletters
Health and Safety at Work Newsletter, issue #1, featuring:
"Good Rehabilitation is Good Mitigation" - Patrick Limb
"Handling Charges: How to Avoid Them" - Toby Stewart
"Do 'ORR' Be Damned?" - Jason Cox
"R v HTM Limited - Foreseeability and Employee Conduct" - Patrick Limb QC and Jason Cox
