Preparing and Responding to a Serious Incident

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.