Putting health and safety first

Based in the industrial north with the high density industries across the north of England Holdens have significant experience in dealings with health and safety across the industrial sector.

Holdens recognises the significant responsibilities placed on employers by Health & Safety legislation and offers experienced assistance, advice and representation, including dealings with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the court system.

Health & Safety at Work Act
The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 says that “It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees”. Other regulations place additional obligations on businesses, contravention of which is an offence.

Health & Safety services

Interviews and Court Proceedings
Holdens offers expert advice in relation to interviews under caution by the HSE. These are significant interviews, conducted in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and any responses are treated as evidence should matters proceed. You are advised to seek early advice and representation, a solicitor from Holdens can accompany you to any interview proceedures.

Improvement Notices
Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the HSE can issue an improvement notice. Failure to comply with the notice is a criminal offence. However, it is possible to lodge an appeal and we can advise on what action needs to be taken in relation to the notice.

Prohibition Notices
Where HSE inspectors consider that certain activities involve the risk of serious injury, they may serve a prohibition notice, directing that the activities cease, unless matters specified in the notice have been remedied. Breach of a prohibition notice is a criminal offence but it is possible, to appeal against the issue. We are able to provide expert advice on prohibition notices and what action needs to be taken.

Gross Negligence
When a fatality occurs, individuals and corporate bodies can be prosecuted for manslaughter where it can be shown that the death resulted from gross negligence. We offer specialist advice and assistance in such cases.

Get Holdens onboard as soon as you are made aware that HSE involved with you or your company and safeguard the interests of both.