Directors fined for unsafe removal of asbestos

Two directors of a construction company were fined after failing to ensure the safe removal of asbestos from a plot of land. On 14 and 15 November 2021, Directors Anthony Sumner and Neil Brown, of Waterbarn Limited were involved in the uncontrolled removal of asbestos material from a plot of land in Grasscroft, Oldham.

Don't look down

An engineering company in Tyne and Wear was fined £20,000 after a worker fractured his pelvis and suffered internal injuries after falling through a petrol station forecourt canopy, whilst he was replacing the guttering.

Insights from the DfE on pandemic recovery and major policies

On 21 September 2022, we had the pleasure of hosting a Whitehall & Industry Group (WIG) lunchtime briefing, delivered by the Director General for the DfE’s Strategy Group, Julia Kinniburgh.

HSE inspection of asbestos in schools

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have announced they will be carrying out a programme of inspections to primary and secondary school establishments from September 2022. The inspections will assess how schools are managing the risks from asbestos and meeting the Duty to Manage requirements, set out in Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Browne Jacobson’s market leading Education expertise recognised again in latest Legal 500 rankings

The new set of Legal 500 directory rankings have been published and we are proud to once again be recognised as one of the country’s leading firms advising the Education sector.

Is it hot in here, or is it just me?

Whilst the weather conditions are predicted to be cooling down this week, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is asking employers and businesses to consider adapting to recurrent warmer weather conditions for the safety and benefit of their staff. It asks employers to ensure that extreme heat becomes a firm part of longer term risk management. Climate change in any event is something all businesses will need to consider as the warmer weather becomes more frequent - extreme heat is something that will impact employers on a day to day basis.

Health and safety successes at trial highlighting need for engaging staff compliance training

Our insurance litigation specialists have recently successfully defended claims brought against two schools for alleged health and safety failings.

Mandatory directing off-site

On 17 September 2021, the High Court handed down judgment in the case that covers some important points in relation to directing pupils off-site and is one of the few cases that covers the powers of schools to do so.

Civil claims in schools

Civil claims are an ongoing area of concern for schools, with the potential for financial and reputational implications. Here at Browne Jacobson we assist both maintained schools and academies in dealing with the full range of civil claims that schools face.

Consultation opens on a revised Building Bulletin 100 design guide for fire safety in schools

School not liable for reckless actions of a student

The decision reinforces that the standard of the duty of care owed by schools is one or reasonableness.

Advocacy in Action: Inquests, suicide and self-harm

The Browne Jacobson team of barristers are celebrating their 10th anniversary in December 202 and will be reflecting on their experience at hearings before Courts and Tribunals nationwide to identify key issues and lessons for schools and education providers.

Knife crime and school exclusions

Recent deaths following a wave of knife attacks has resulted in a renewed national focus on what more can be done to prevent the appalling escalation in knife-crime.