Mark Stouph is a consultant in the regulatory team at Jacksons Law Firm .
PREVENTION
BETTER THAN CURE
Health and Safety Consultancy service at Jacksons Law Firm aims to protect businesses and save lives
WORDS : SARAH WALKER
Jacksons Law Firm believes that if business owners implement stringent guidelines in their health and safety procedures it will help to avoid being called to court to answer for potential breaches .
The firm ’ s H & S arm works with its clients to prevent businesses owners falling foul of health and safety legislation and incurring hefty fines – and in worse case scenarios save lives .
Mark Stouph , a consultant in the regulatory team at Jacksons , highlights the stark and devastating reality of the issue of health and safety at work .
“ In the UK in the last year , there were 123 workplace fatalities ,” says Mark , a former regulator with the Environment Agency carrying out environmental prosecutions .
“ All businesses have a responsibility to make sure their workers are safe when they are carrying out their duties .”
Mark has personal experience of shouldering the weight of such responsibility , after moving from the Environment Agency to work as director of a waste management company , working on health , safety and environmental issues .
During his time with that company , he also completed a master ’ s degree in health , safety and environmental law , before joining Jacksons six years ago .
Now , having seen health and safety from the perspective as both a regulator and an employer over a 25-year career , he is well placed to ensure other organisations exceed their statutory requirements when it comes to keeping their employees safe .
“ There are two elements to the health and safety advice we provide at Jacksons ,” he explains .
“ They include the contentious side of things – if you get into trouble with the Health and Safety Executive we can provide advice or represent you in court .
“ However , we believe that helping clients when they are being prosecuted is a bit late in the day , so we also provide a consultancy service and prevent clients from being prosecuted .”
Mark ’ s visits to clients ’ premises allow him to carry out a thorough health and safety audit and based on the outcome , he can then advise them on things like risk assessments
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