We've had a serious accident, can you help us during an HSE investigation?
Yes — supporting businesses through HSE investigations and their aftermath is one of the most important aspects of what a competent person service can provide, and it is precisely the kind of situation where having an experienced consultant already familiar with your business makes a significant difference.
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When a serious workplace accident occurs, the sequence of events can be overwhelming. There is the immediate duty of care to the injured person, the obligation to report certain incidents under RIDDOR, the potential for an HSE investigation, the need to preserve evidence, the duty to communicate with employees, and the very real possibility of enforcement action or prosecution. Trying to navigate all of this without expert support is extremely stressful — and costly mistakes are easy to make.
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As your appointed competent person, LESH can support you from the moment an incident occurs. We can advise you on your immediate obligations, help you determine whether the incident is reportable under RIDDOR, assist you in preserving the scene and gathering evidence, and guide you through the process of carrying out a thorough internal accident investigation. At LESH, we are qualified Lead Industrial Accident Investigators and are members of the Institute of Industrial Accident Investigators (IIAI).
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If the HSE decides to investigate formally, we can help you prepare. We can review your documentation, identify any gaps, help you understand what the HSE is likely to focus on, and ensure that you are presenting your health and safety arrangements in the best possible light. While we cannot provide legal representation — that is the role of a solicitor — we can work alongside your legal advisers to provide the technical health and safety expertise they need to support your case.
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It is worth emphasising that the best time to put competent person support in place is before something goes wrong — not after. Businesses that have robust health and safety management systems, thorough risk assessments and documented competent person arrangements are in a fundamentally stronger position when the HSE comes knocking. Prevention is always better than cure.
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If you have already had an incident and are looking for support, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have extensive experience in supporting businesses through difficult situations, and we will always give you honest, practical advice.
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