Please note that new terms of business apply with effect from 8.00am on Thursday 4 October 2007. If you have any questions, please contact us on 0871 777 8881 or email membership@workplacelaw.net... Continue reading

Misunderstandings over who is responsible for monitoring and protecting contractors and subcontractors – leading to the failure to carry out responsibilities – is often at the heart of high profile health and safety cases, such as the leading case of R v. Associated Octel (1996) and the Beckingham legionella trial. But situations such as these could be avoided with a clearer understanding of employers’ and contractors’ responsibilities, which is why Workplace Law has published Working with Contractors 2008: Special Report. Written by Ni... Continue reading

After working hard to be the best dragon-boaters in Cambridge at the annual Dragon Boat Festival, the Workplace Law team (Workplace Law Dot Netters) improved greatly on last year’s performance – by coming 30th out of 33. Dragon boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition and the fastest growing water activity in Britain today. Up to 10 people paddle each boat with a drummer at the front beating time and a helm at the tail steering a straight course. This year’s Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival, taking place on the River Cam, saw a record nu... Continue reading

Over recent years, energy efficiency has become a hot topic for businesses. There is a growing demand on employers to manage buildings more efficiently, thereby saving energy in the workplace. In 2006, new responsibilities were placed on building owners, surveyors, facilities managers and tenants to tackle energy efficiency in all new buildings and when refurbishing existing buildings, under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and Part L of the Building Regulations. Since then, there have been several key developments affecting work... Continue reading

New legislation has now given all employers and premises managers wide-reaching new responsibilities in relation to fire safety. Responsibility for carrying out fire risk assessments now lies with each business rather than fire brigades issuing fire certificates for buildings as previously. The move is aimed at streamlining fire authorities’ manpower so they can pay more attention to ‘high risk’ premises, including care homes and hostels where vulnerable people sleep. The Fire Safety Reform Order, which came into effect 1 October, was... Continue reading