July 2007 saw the introduction of the prohibition of smoking in the workplace and whilst this was been billed as an issue affecting licensed premises, the truth is that it affects almost every place where people are employed to work or members of the public visit as well as most company cars.

Smoking is definitely an issue that is relevant to health and safety at work and the HSE have produced guidance on the subject that can be accessed by clicking here. We have produced a DVD which explains some of the requirements. For more details, please e-mail us.

This year, we have seen the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act, which does not place any new duties on employers but can result in significant financial penalties and court orders if a company is found guilty.

For more information on these or any other safety-elated topics, please do not hesitate to call Jon Payne, who is a Chartered Member of IOSH.

We can offer you advice on obtaining risk assessments and reviewing the adequacy of those that have already been undertaken. If you should find yourself the target of enforcement action, we can assist in dealing with enforcement notices, representing you in court or liaising with enforcement officers.