Would your organisation’s safety arrangements stand up to scrutiny in court?

Risk assessments, training records and safety procedures can tell one story on paper. Following a serious accident, the evidence may reveal another.

Join WorkNest for a FREE virtual mock health and safety criminal trial and see how an organisation’s decisions, actions and records are examined in court.

This interactive online event follows a fictional prosecution involving a contractor seriously injured at work. You’ll hear witnesses challenged under cross-examination, examine the evidence and take part in deciding the outcome. Along the way, you’ll see how risk assessments, contractor arrangements, communication and record-keeping can come under scrutiny and what your organisation can learn about turning documented safety procedures into effective day-to-day practice.

You won’t just learn about legal requirements. You’ll experience a real-world trial in action, culminating in a crucial question: did the company take all reasonable steps to prevent this serious accident?

The case: HSE v Northfield Facilities Management  

A contractor suffers a fall while working on site, sustaining serious injuries.

The HSE alleges that Northfield Facilities Management failed to properly manage the risks associated with the work and that inadequate arrangements contributed to the accident.

You’ll hear the prosecution and defence examine the company’s risk assessments, control measures, training, inspection and maintenance procedures, and arrangements for managing contractors.

You decide: guilty or not guilty?

As part of the virtual jury, you’ll consider the evidence presented by the prosecution and defence before casting your vote on the verdict. You’ll also explore how sentencing guidelines can influence the level of fine if the company is found guilty.

Did the company do everything reasonably practicable to manage the risk? Hear both sides and reach your own view before the verdict is delivered.

What’s on the agenda?

Through this fictional case, you’ll:

• Understand what follows a serious workplace incident, from the HSE investigation to criminal proceedings.

• See how safety arrangements are tested in court, including risk assessments, training, inspections and contractor management.

• Recognise the importance of evidence, and how records and witness accounts can support or challenge a company’s position.

• Explore what “reasonably practicable” means, and how the arguments are examined during a prosecution.

• Experience witness questioning and cross-examination, seeing how decisions made at work come under scrutiny.

• Consider the implications for your organisation, including where your arrangements may need closer attention.

From risk assessments to real-world action

A risk assessment is only effective when the right controls are put into practice, communicated and reviewed.

The mock trial brings this challenge to life, exploring what can happen when there are gaps between documented procedures and the reality of work on site.

At WorkNest, we combine Health & Safety expertise with SafetyNest technology to help organisations manage risk day-to-day. SafetyNest’s enhanced Risk Assessment tools make it easier to create and manage assessments, retain supporting evidence, share information and track resulting actions.

Discover how SafetyNest helps you manage risk with confidence.

Who should attend? 

This event is designed for people responsible for workplace safety, business risk and contractor management, including:

• Business owners, directors and senior managers

• Health & Safety professionals

• HR, operations and risk professionals

• Facilities, estates and contractor managers

The scenario explores issues that are relevant to organisations across all sectors.

What to expect on the day 

The three-hour session will include:

• An overview of the legal framework and HSE investigation process

• An introduction to the case and supporting evidence

• Prosecution and defence witness questioning

• Closing speeches and the judge’s summing up

• The verdict and sentencing, if appropriate

• Live Q&A

A 15-minute break is included at 11.00 am.

Preparing for the session  

You’ll receive a trial bundle and evidence pack ahead of the event, including the key documents that will be examined during the proceedings.

We recommend reviewing the materials in advance so you can follow the arguments, consider the evidence and prepare to take part as a member of the virtual jury.

Got a question? 

The session will finish with a live Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask questions about the issues raised during the trial.