The Health & Safety Team supports businesses with their health and safety systems and those facing investigation by the HSE, local authorities and following incidents.
The Team is uniquely comprised of specialist solicitors and barristers as well as expert health and safety consultants.
Our safety specialists, who include a former HSE Principal Inspector, assist businesses with their health and safety systems through training, audits, health checks and, if necessary, accident investigations.
We support businesses and individuals facing investigation by the HSE, local authorities and the police following health and safety incidents including representation at coroner’s inquests and defence of proceedings in the criminal courts.
Our Experience
AFE Group Ltd
Represented AFE Group Ltd in a prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (“HSE”) following a fatal incident in December 2017 at a private hospital. Our client was contracted to repair a food waste disposal unit which had been installed by a co-defendant company and designed and manufactured by a third. Our client’s employee attended the site to carry out repairs when he received a fatal electric shock. The trial involved several complex issues, multiple electrical safety and systems experts and a large volume of documentation. AFE Group Ltd was the only defendant to be acquitted of all the charges it faced.
Grenfell Tower
Daniel Irving led the team which represented a core participant to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. In his first job after university he was tasked with putting Celotex’s insulation product through fire tests to demonstrate its suitability for use on high-rises. Playing a prominent role in an extremely high-profile Inquiry, it was important to ensure he was thoroughly prepared, not only to provide him with the platform to give his best evidence, but also to deal with the associated media attention.
District council
A district council instructed Birketts to advise them in relation to their investigation into a death of young employee, who was crushed by a fork-lift whilst lone working. Expert examination revealed the forklift involved had a significant safety feature disabled. Julie Gowland advised the client in relation to their investigation, interviews under caution, inquest proceedings and subsequent prosecution. Matthew Gowen, acting as counsel, conducted the inquest and ultimately the prosecution of two companies.
Large housing developer
Advising a large housing developer, who as the principal contractor on a construction project are being investigated following the death of a contractor, during a demolition operation. We have advised during the HSE investigation and now at inquest.
Key Contacts
Partner (Barrister), Head of Regulatory and Corporate Defence
Accreditations
Legal 500 [UK 2026]
Top Tier
Birketts LLP has an outstanding health and safety team. Their specialist knowledge, expertise and advocacy of environmental and safety legislation, is similarly matched in the exceptional client care, engagement and attention to detail. This is the go to team when you need safety advice.
Legal 500 [UK 2026]
