Accidents Will Happen

This book is an account of the author's thirty years (1964-1994) of enforcing safety and health in the steel and metal processing industries in South Yorkshire, the textile and other industries in the beautiful Dales, and the inspection of building and civil engineering in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. It catalogues a complete career from recruitment, basic training and inspection work, up to the investigation of many heartrending, serious and fatal accidents to people of all ages, including children. The author also describes the changes in his working practices and powers as a result of the new Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Whilst the book concentrates on the everyday working life of the Inspector, it also explains the legal work carried out. Starting with the first case taken in a local Magistrates Court, it culminates with the preparation for a case before the Lord Chief Justice in the Court of Appeal in London.