This chapter introduces health and safety law in general terms, before describing and assessing those aspects which fall under the jurisdiction of the criminal courts. It discusses the structure of health and safety law; the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974; other major health and safety regulations; enforcement of health and safety regulations; corporate manslaughter; and debates about criminal liability in health and safety law.
Chapter
24. Health and safety—the criminal law
Chapter
25. Health and safety—The civil law
This chapter looks at the civil law arm of health and safety law, which serves to provide compensation to employees or ex-employees who have suffered a detriment due to the unlawful actions of their employers. It focuses on personal injury claims brought to the County Court and High Court and the defences that are available for employers when faced with such litigation. The discussions cover claims due to negligence, breach of statutory duty, breach of contract and constructive dismissal, and stress-based claims.
