Urgent warning to review safety systems

The warning comes from Teresa Hitchcock, partner and national head of DLA Piper's safety health and environment team.

The Act comes into effect next April, but Ms Hitchcock says it would be sensible for companies to review their strategic health and safety management systems before the Act comes into force.

"They should check that risk assessments and method statements are in place for all hazardous activities.

“There is also nothing to beat the old-fashioned walkabout to check for possible dangers," she says.

Teresa Hitchcock and Paul Burnley, who heads DLA Piper’s corporate defence team for Yorkshire, will be discussing the implications of the new law at a seminar in Sheffield on Thursday November 8.

For further information, contact Sally Chappell at DLA Piper, tel: (0114) 283 3433.