Fire - July
2007
Welcome to the second fire e-bulletin. This edition looks at
the Emergency Workers (Obstruction) Act 2006,...
...the latest regarding inquests, the new edition
of the Gold Book, R v CLG ex parte London Fire, CCTV in the
workplace, the new smoking ban, the latest news about employment
legislation, two important decisions about co-responding and a
disappointing decision regarding slips in the workplace.
Emergency Workers (Obstruction) Act 2006
The Government has recognised the hostile
environment in which our emergency services operate. Sarah Tedstone looks at the width of the Emergency
Workers (Obstruction) Act 2006 and penalties.
Inquests
In Fire bulletin 1 we looked at the fact that
there are exemptions in the Corporate Manslaughter Bill for fire
services. Chris Green provides an
overview on recent developments on the Impact of inquest
verdicts.
Gold Book
The new edition fills a gap left by the Fire
& Rescue Service Act 2004. John Riddell
looks at its implications for discipline procedures for Brigade
Managers.
R v CLG ex parte London Fire and Emergency Planning
Authority
This important decision restricts the power of
the Government to intervene in disciplinary matters. Laura Kearsley reviews the case of R v CLG ex parte
London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority.
CCTV in the workplace
How to avoid becoming “Big Brother” in the
workplace. Laura Kearsley reviews the issues
raised by the Human Rights Act and Data Protection Act if a Fire
Service wishes to introduce CCTV into the workplace.
Smoking in the Workplace
As from 1 July 2007 smoking in all enclosed
public areas and workplaces has been outlawed. Laura Kearsley looks at some of the practical issues
in banning smoking in the workplace for Fire Services.
Co-Responding Dashed?
The Court of Appeal has now considered this
issue. There has also been recent litigation involving firefighters
from Merseyside. Laura Kearsley considers
whether the provision of emergency first aid has been doused by the
Courts.
Ellis v Bristol City Council
Slips are an occupational hazard in a fire
station. The Court of Appeal has given new hope to claimants.
Andrew Cooper assesses the implications of
the case Ellis v Bristol City Council.
Legislation Pipeline
Recognising that ‘forewarned is
forearmed’ Weightmans maintains a regularly updated schedule
of forthcoming employment-related legislation. A copy can be
accessed at any time by contacting Laura Kearsley at laura.kearsley@weightmans.com.
Emergency Services Book
This book is a comprehensive survey of the
legal liabilities of the three main emergency services. Written by
Weightmans’ team of specialists in public liability claims, and
with the assistance of counsel, this is the only publication that
sets out the statutory framework in which the emergency services
operate and examines the potential liabilities that arise from the
performance of their statutory duties. For
further information visit Jorans.
National Fire Conference 2007
Weightmans are pleased to announce the second
fire conference will take place in November 2007. Andrew Cooper provides further information.
We hope that you find our bulletins
informative and practical and we would welcome feedback on ways in
which we can ensure that the bulletin best meets your needs.
The Bulletin’s Editor is Andrew Cooper. Andrew can be contacted at:
andrew.cooper@weightmans.com.
This update does not attempt to provide a full
analysis of those matters with which it deals and is provided for
general information purposes only and is not intended to constitute
legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for legal
advice. Weightmans LLP accepts no responsibility for any loss that
may arise from reliance on the information in this update. The
copyright in this update is owned by Weightmans LLP.