Personal Injury Law Review Summer 2007

Violence at work [Liability]

With the frequency of assaults on staff growing, the onus is on employers to protect their employees

Government consults on claims process reform [Other News]

A government consultation on reforming the personal injury claims process will be damaging to the trade unions’ ability to fund personal injury services, Thompsons Solicitors has warned.

Directing Health & Safety [Other News]

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has launched a consultation on new guidance issued to company board members about their role in health and safety.

Don’t fall for it [Health & Safety]

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 state that a “place is at height if … a person could be injured falling from it, even if it is at or below ground level.” Although that might seem a bit confusing, it just means that the regulations apply to any situation where someone could fall and hurt themself.

Holiday hazards [Liability]

Tony Lawton, a personal injury partner with Thompsons, looks at how holiday makers can claim compensation for accidents while abroad

Justice for dock workers [Other News]

The Court of Appeal has ruled – in Wright & Thompson -v- Secretary of State for Trade & Industry – that dock workers who were registered under the National Dock Labour Board scheme can sue the government if they develop an asbestos related disease.

New construction regulations [Other News]

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries for workers. The government has finally taken heed and introduced new regulations - the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007) – which came into force in April 2007.

Reforming Industrial injuries benefits [Liability]

The Department of Work and Pensions is reviewing the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) scheme, having declared it no longer fit for purpose in the modern world of work.