Pictured above: Michael Pace

At a conference held this month in Lincoln, some local firms heard the painful costs and implications of a prosecution for flouting health and safety (H&S) regulations. Local law firm Andrew & Co LLP collaborated with H&S law specialist, Peninsula, to warn about the repercussions of incidents in offices, factories or vehicles.

Partner at Andrew & Co, Michael Pace, said: "We didn't seek to frighten firms but we wanted them to appreciate the impact an incident could have on their business and encourage them to ensure proper risk assessment and policies are in place.

"If a serious accident occurs at work, the Police and HSE are often first on the scene and could halt all company activity, seize electronic and paper documentation and interview all staff. They're not concerned about business interruption; they're rightly interested to know if breaches in H&S have occurred."

Michael says all firms should have a policy on vehicle use for business, including company cars, and reminded the audience that firms employing over five staff should have 'occupational road risk' policies and procedures in place. "Points for speeding could imply drivers are pressurised to drive too far, while points for 'due care' could suggest drivers are too tired," he said. "Everything comes under close scrutiny."

Michael, and Andrew McLachlan of Peninsula, gave delegates a thorough briefing of what needed to be considered to avoid consequences like adverse publicity to worst case scenario, corporate manslaughter. "We'd rather firms took the time now and sought our advice in checking over paperwork rather than us have to respond to urgent calls to manage an onslaught by the Police and HSE' added Michael.

Michael can be contacted for advice at Andrew & Co LLP on 01522 512123, and Peninsula on 0844 892 2772.