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Preparing and Responding to a Serious Incident Course for Line Managers
This course is designed to prepare, inform and equip relevant local authority line managers to respond appropriately to the various stages of a Serious Incident scenario.
Online / In Person
1 day
About this course
Serious incidents can have far reaching consequences for local authorities in terms of civil claims and/or criminal prosecutions by enforcement agencies. It is vital that local authorities have procedures and approaches in place to manage serious incidents and that all employees fully understand these procedures.
Why choose this course
This course will enable you to:
Prepare, inform and equip relevant local authority employees to respond appropriately to the various stages of a serious incident scenario.
Understand their roles and responsibilities should a Serious Incident arise in their workplace.
Course syllabus
On this one day course delegates will learn how to respond to a serious incident in accordance with best practice standards. Delegates will also learn how to deal with and respond to external investigators when they arrive on site. They will learn to collect, store and record essential information to minimise the risk of incidents reoccurring and where appropriate, to defend the local authority in a civil or criminal case.
To prepare, inform and equip relevant local authority employees to respond appropriately to the various stages of a Serious Incident scenario.
This one day course is an intensive and highly practical programme delivered by qualified and practising lawyers. Delegates will learn the do’s and don’ts in the 24 hour period after an incident has occurred.
Key learning points
- The Legal System,
- Civil and Criminal Proceedings,
- Recent Developments in Civil and Criminal litigation,
- Recent Case Law,
- The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005,
- Powers of Regulatory Authorities,
- Responding to an Incident and dealing with Officials,
- Evidence,
- Records, Notes and Statements,
- Best Practice in Investigations.
Legal system and HSA investigations
The legal system will be explained which will include recent changes and developments in the conduct of civil and criminal proceedings. We will examine the changes introduced by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 and the Civil Liability Courts Act 2004. Delegates will learn about recent HSA prosecutions where local authorities and employees have been investigated. They will learn about procedures within the local authority and what to do when a HSA Inspector or a Garda arrives on site to conduct an investigation. We will discuss the powers of enforcement authorities specifically referencing The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the obligations of the local authority and their employees under this legislation.
Rules and admissibility of evidence in investigations
The rules and admissibility of evidence will be discussed. Delegates will gain skills to take proper notes, make good records and learn about the importance of statements. They will fully understand how a proper investigation should be conducted by internal and external investigators.
Our expert trainers
La Touche Training Legal Experts
We work with a wide panel of specialist trainers, all chosen based on their experience and knowledge, experience both in practice and as trained trainers. The majority of our trainers are experienced...
Read BioPractical training with small groups to ensure quality.
Our training sessions are not lectures—they're practical, interactive experiences. The small group format allows every attendee to ask questions, take part in discussions involving practical exercises and role-plays.
This method of training allows attendees to put the skills learned into practice immediately. Course participants benefit from the focused attention and guidance of an independent expert.
Preparing and responding to a serious incident
FAQs
This course provides practical guidance on how organisations should prepare for and respond to serious incidents. It focuses on immediate response, legal considerations, evidence preservation, and managing the aftermath of an incident.
The course is suitable for local authority staff, senior managers, health and safety officers, and professionals responsible for incident management, risk, and compliance.
A serious incident may include events causing significant harm, risk to life, environmental damage, or major regulatory breaches. These incidents often trigger investigations and potential legal consequences.
Initial steps include ensuring safety, securing the scene, notifying relevant authorities, and preserving evidence. Prompt and appropriate action is critical to both safety and legal compliance.
Preserving evidence ensures that any subsequent investigation is based on accurate and reliable information. Poor handling of evidence can compromise investigations and potential legal proceedings.
Yes. The course addresses reporting requirements under Irish law, including when incidents must be notified to regulators such as the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
Communication should be clear, accurate, and controlled. The course typically covers internal reporting, dealing with stakeholders, and managing interactions with regulators and, where relevant, the media.
Investigations aim to establish what happened, why it happened, and how similar incidents can be prevented. They may also inform enforcement action or legal proceedings.
Common issues include failing to secure the scene, poor documentation, delayed reporting, and inadequate internal communication, all of which can have legal and operational consequences.
Yes. The course is designed to provide clear, practical guidance for professionals without legal qualifications who are responsible for managing incidents.
