Book reviews: March 2023

Redgrave’s Health and Safety 

10th edition

Jonathan Clarke, Michael Ford KC and Astrid Clarke KC

PUBLISHER: LEXIS NEXIS BUTTERWORTHS
ISBN: 978-1474320382
PRICE: £334

It is difficult to find a more authoritative text than Redgrave, now in its 10th edition.

The eminent authors bring their experience and knowledge of the field to the page, writing with clarity on the legislation, regulations and associated case law. The contribution from Astrid Smart KC of Compass Chambers ensures Scottish authorities are incorporated.

The text has a unique approach. It includes the statutes and regulations across almost every conceivable field. Those statues are then annotated. This book has been well thumbed and is yet to be found wanting. 

Before delving into distinct areas of health and safety practice, such as transport, manual handling, noise and workplaces, the authors provide a clear and authoritative analysis of the history of health and safety law followed by a consideration of the general principles which must apply. 

Within the section devoted to general principles, there is very helpful section dealing with common expressions. This provides a clear and expansive reference to case law concerning interpretation of those expressions. These include amongst other things, “due diligence”, and “reasonably practical”. One can easily consider these terms. 

Causation is always a factor in health and safety cases, particularly those involving a death. Again the authors provide a comprehensive overview with reference to appropriate case law. They write: “The question of causation is not to be decided by any scientific or philosophical theory but by applying common sense to the facts.” Thereafter they explore that in more detail. 

The authors then go through the distinct areas of practice. The statute and regulations are reproduced and annotated. Everything is here that the practitioner requires. Pocket sized it is not; comprehensive and comprehensible it certainly is.

This is an increasing field of practice in Scotland. Given the wide range of liability which can accrue under the legislation, this book is invaluable. 

David J Dickson, solicitor advocate