Regulatory

We have developed a dedicated group of leading and junior Counsel who specialise in Health and Safety cases, the full range of Inquests, Disciplinary Tribunals and Professional Conduct Committees, such as the Health Professions Council.

In the sphere of Health and Safety, we routinely defend corporate clients, employers and individuals at prosecutions brought in the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts for work-related deaths, injury or for risks arising of fatality or serious injury.

Members of the Group have acted in a wide range of cases involving the statutory frameworks that regulate health and safety in the workplace, including those affecting 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 and the Work at Height 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 also 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 sub-ordinate.

We have vast experience of inquests including many high profile cases, often subject to considerable media scrutiny.  We have appeared before the Coroner in cases ranging from, amongst others, workplace accidents; disease; road traffic accidents; care homes; clinical negligence; prisons; and those with a police or military aspect.

We fully understand the importance of sensitivity and proper representation in this forum, whether acting for families of the deceased or for other interested parties.

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.

Members of the group offer client seminars on regulatory cases.  If this is of interest to you please contact the Senior Clerk, Tony Hill, or Deputy Senior Clerk, Alan Odiam.