Preparing for Autumn, Winter and Christmas Events 2023: How to prevent an HSE Prosecution in your School

In 2019 a 7-year-old student at a London primary school received 45% burns to their body at a Carol Concert when his costume caught fire from a lit taper candle.

The HSE found the school had breached Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act. They were found guilty by a jury at Southwark Crown Court, fined £35,000 and ordered to pay £25,970 in costs.

Seasonal events often pose higher risks, which must be assessed and mitigated against. We’ll highlight where health and safety processes went wrong, top tips to prevent an HSE prosecution and our best practice advise for Autumn, Winter, and Christmas events.

During the session we will be looking at:

• Case Study: the HSE prosecution case fining a school in June 2023.
• 
  Your duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Increased risks during Autumn, Winter and Christmas Festivals, including flammables, fairy lights, allergies, winter weather, etc.
• Using candles safely
• 5 key takeaways on ensuring safe festival celebrations in schools

Let us introduce you to this week's professional speakers

Rachel Sharman

Rachel joined Judicium in early 2021. She has previously worked as an enforcing EHO and as a consultant specialising in the hospitality industry. Within Judicium her roles include undertaking audits, delivering training and offering consultancy advice, along with her expertise in Food Safety to support schools. To relax, Rachel enjoys attending theatres, music festivals, and walking the family dog on the sandy beach, but nothing beats a good book and a cuppa to unwind after a hard day at work.

Morne Landman

Morne  is a Grad IOSH member with a wealth of experience solving health and safety-related issues arising daily in challenging environments. Prior to the education sector, he worked in the Hotel Industry, as a Manager of Occupational, Safety, Health & Security.

At Judicium,  Morne provides detailed audits and offers consultancy advice to schools in both Health, Safety and Fire Safety and particularly enjoys delivering H&S training courses in schools. Outside of work, alongside a busy family life, he is an avid squash player and enjoys socialising with family and friends and preparing new marinades for his famous Smoker and BBQ parties.