Every employer has strict duties under the often criticized Health and Safety legislation. The harsh reality is that if there is an accident in a workplace there will almost inevitably be an investigation by a Health and Safety Officer from either the Local Council or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The law requires that you show you have done everything reasonably practicable to seek to ensure that such an accident doesn’t take place whether it be to your employees, visitors to your premises and even by employees to their fellow employees. In addition there are numerous regulations prescribing what you should or should not be doing as far as the workplace is concerned – ignorance is no excuse!
If you do have an accident at your business do you know when it should be reported? It is an offence not to report yourself to the Local Authority or HSE in prescribed circumstances and of course when you do an investigation will follow.
Advice from an experienced professional is very important – the earlier the better – to enable you to seek to manage the situation in the best possible way. Requests for information or documentation and in particular for interview should always lead to you seeking professional help.
We have successfully represented in interview and defended in court many businesses accused of breaching Health and Safety legislation, from a one man/woman business to national supermarket chains, for over 20 years. If you have had an unfortunate accident in premises for which you are responsible or under investigation do not hesitate to contact us at any time. We will be happy to provide you with as much, or as little, advice and representation as you wish – a consultation or representation – you decide!