Guilty or Not Guilty? Know your legal responsibility when it comes to fire safety

Overview: An interactive mock criminal trial will give manufacturers of fire safety products, consultants, contractors, designers, installers and other potential duty holders an insight into what can go wrong for them in the event of a fire incident.

Picture the scene . . .  a large chain hotel in the centre of Leeds – almost 1000 occupants each day, with visitors, contractors and employees on site. A fire breaks out on the first floor and spreads across the first floor corridors and rooms, rendering it difficult to evacuate the building as quickly as possible.

Following a detailed and lengthy investigation by the local fire authority, the manufacturer of the fire doors that were installed within the hotel is now to be prosecuted for breaches of health and safety legislation.

The British Woodworking Federation is hosting a “mock trial” event on September 26, 2019, where the audience (who will play the part of the jury) will get to observe how the manufacturer gives their evidence and how they fare under firm cross-examination from the prosecution.

With lawyers from Russell Cooke Solicitors in charge of proceedings, this scenario will introduce the audience to a health and safety incident through an interactive criminal trial. You – the jury – Will decide whether the manufacturer is guilty or not guilty of the health and safety offences.

Who should attend?

This event will give manufacturers of fire safety products, consultants, contractors, designers, installers and other potential duty holders an insight into what can go wrong for them in the event of a fire incident and how this can unfold in the realms of a real criminal trial.

Why attend?

• Enhance your understanding of health and safety incidents and what can go wrong for dutyholders in the event of a fire
• Learn how to mitigate the risk of exposure to investigation and/or prosecution in the event of a fire incident and minimise your reputational risk
• Understand the importance of robust corporate policies and incident response protocols
• Address the issues in respect of working with other “duty holders” in the industry to promote good fire safety management for relevant buildings

Come along and participate in the main event for BWF during Fire Door Safety Week. You will definitely learn something valuable and have fun while doing it! In addition, you may get to pass sentence on the manufacturer (if you find them guilty, of course!).

BOOK TICKETS

Limited to 70 places, tickets are allocated on a first come, first served basis – click here to visit the Eventbrite page.