Unsafe working conditions lawyer
Harcourt Stirling Solicitors provides expert legal support for employees facing unsafe working conditions or health and safety concerns at work.
You don’t have to face this alone — start with a straightforward, free initial consultation with an employment law specialist to understand your options.
Why choose Harcourt Stirling Solicitors for your health and safety concerns at work?
A safe working environment isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s essential for your wellbeing. When workplace conditions feel unsafe, it can create real anxiety and leave you unsure about what to do next. Knowing your rights and the options available to you can make all the difference.
At Harcourt Stirling Solicitors, we provide expert legal support for employees dealing with health and safety matters, including guidance on workplace risks, employer responsibilities, and related employment law concerns.
Our team combines legal knowledge with a practical, solutions-focused approach to help you understand your rights, evaluate your options, and take effective next steps.
Why employees choose Harcourt Stirling:
- Transparent and Trusted: Harcourt Stirling Solicitors is proud to have earned positive client feedback on Google and Trustpilot, reflecting our commitment to professionalism, expertise, and responsive client service.
- Experienced team: Our solicitors have experience advising employees on health and safety matters and employment law claims.
- Strategic Approach: We guide you in choosing the most effective approach — whether informal resolution, negotiation, or formal legal action — and map out a clear plan for your case.
- Nationwide support: Based in Brentford, our unsafe working conditions solicitors assist clients across England and Wales and offer remote consultations for your convenience.
Contact us today to discuss your situation and understand how Harcourt Stirling Solicitors can support you with workplace health and safety concerns and related employment matters.
How Harcourt Stirling Solicitors handle health and safety concerns at work
At Harcourt Stirling Solicitors, we provide practical, strategic guidance to help employees navigate health and safety issues and potentially unsafe working conditions with clarity and confidence — whether you need advice on workplace risks, support in raising concerns with your employer, or, in rare cases, representation if your employer takes detrimental action.
Our team helps you understand your rights, evaluate your options, and take informed steps to protect your wellbeing, position, and career.
Our process:
- Free initial consultation – We start by reviewing your situation, identifying the key legal issues, and explaining your options. This could be simple guidance on workplace risks, advice on raising concerns safely, or support if the matter escalates due to employer action.
- Case assessment and strategy – Once we understand your circumstances, our solicitors assess the strengths and risks of your situation and provide a tailored plan focused on resolving the matter effectively — whether it’s informal advice on unsafe conditions or preparing for action if your employer treats you unfairly.
- Progressive dispute resolution – Where a dispute arises, we guide you through the resolution routes appropriate for your situation, whether you are at an early stage, have already engaged with ACAS, attempted negotiation, or need tribunal representation:
- Early Conciliation (ACAS) – If your dispute is still at an early stage, we can advise and support you through the ACAS process to help resolve matters efficiently.
- Settlement Agreements – We help you evaluate and negotiate confidential settlement solutions that protect your interests, even if previous attempts have been made.
- Employment Tribunal – If your employer takes detrimental action, such as dismissal or unfair treatment linked to your health and safety concerns, we can represent you in tribunal proceedings, presenting your evidence clearly and advising on strategy to maximise your chances of success.
- Evidence gathering – We assist in collecting and reviewing relevant documents, correspondence, and policies to strengthen your position when addressing unsafe working conditions or related disputes.
- Representation and support – We act on your behalf in discussions, negotiations, or proceedings, keeping you informed and supported at every stage.
- Resolution – Our goal is to help you achieve a fair and practical outcome, protecting your rights, wellbeing, and career while giving you clarity and confidence throughout the process.
Speak to an employment law specialist today!
Building a strong case for unsafe working conditions
For employees concerned about unsafe working conditions or breaches of health and safety law, having a clear and well-documented case is essential. Even if there isn’t the need to file a claim immediately — keeping records and understanding your rights can protect your wellbeing and strengthen your position if issues or disputes arise.
Key steps to build a strong case:
- Document workplace risks – Keep clear notes of any health and safety risks you observe — such as faulty equipment, inadequate staffing, missing PPE, unsafe practices, or poorly maintained work areas. Photographs, incident logs, and emails help create a reliable timeline.
- Document accidents, near misses, and symptoms – Whether it’s an injury, a near miss, or work‑related stress or illness, written records help show the impact of potentially unsafe conditions and demonstrate that issues were ongoing.
- Keep track of all communications – Save emails, messages, meeting notes, and any formal reports you make. These show that you raised concerns responsibly and gave your employer the opportunity to act.
- Review workplace policies and risk assessments – Check whether your employer has carried out proper risk assessments, provided training, and followed their legal duties. Gaps in documentation can support your case.
- Gather supporting statements – Colleagues who have witnessed the same hazards or been affected by similar conditions can help strengthen the evidence and provide independent context.
- Report issues promptly and appropriately – Raising concerns in a timely manner shows you acted responsibly and helps demonstrate that any ongoing risks were not addressed by your employer.
At Harcourt Stirling Solicitors, we help employees gather evidence, understand their rights, and document concerns effectively, giving you confidence in your position and the knowledge to take informed steps to address potentially unsafe working conditions.
Your rights and options in health and safety matters — and how our solicitors can help you
Employees in the UK have a statutory right to work in a safe and healthy environment. This includes protection from potentially unsafe working conditions, hazards, and risks that could harm your wellbeing.
It is important to note that while the law sets out employer duties, it does not remove all risks from the workplace. Legal protection focuses on how your employer identifies and addresses hazards, implements policies, and responds to concerns, rather than guaranteeing a perfectly risk-free environment.
Understanding your position is the first step towards protecting your wellbeing and taking appropriate action. Harcourt Stirling Solicitors provides expert guidance at every stage, helping you understand your rights, explore your options, and take practical steps to address unsafe working conditions.
If you are an employee concerned about health and safety, you may be entitled to:
- Raising concerns and reporting risks – Employees have the right to report unsafe working conditions without fear of detriment or retaliation.
- Protection from detriment or unfair treatment – You cannot be penalised for raising genuine health and safety concerns or for refusing unsafe work under the law.
- Practical guidance on addressing issues – Assistance in documenting risks, communicating effectively with your employer, and understanding your employer’s obligations to consult and respond appropriately.
- Support in internal resolution – Guidance on engaging with health and safety officers, managers, or HR teams to seek practical solutions and risk mitigation.
In addition to these rights, employees can take practical steps to strengthen their position, such as keeping records of hazards, incidents, and communications, and seeking professional advice.
Harcourt Stirling Solicitors helps employees manage health and safety concerns professionally, protect their wellbeing, and approach workplace issues with confidence.
Speak to an employment law specialist today!
How Harcourt Stirling Solicitors can help you with your health and safety dispute
Raising concerns about unsafe working conditions or workplace health and safety issues can feel daunting, but having the right guidance from the outset makes all the difference.
At Harcourt Stirling Solicitors, we provide employees with clear, practical support to help you understand your rights, evaluate your options, and take informed steps to address health and safety risks.
- Contact us – Get in touch by phone, email, or via our online enquiry form to discuss your situation with an experienced employment law specialist. This initial consultation is free and obligation-free, giving you clarity on your position and the practical options available.
- Prepare your case – If you wish to take action, we’ll guide you on gathering relevant documents, such as your employment contract, workplace policies, correspondence about the unsafe conditions, incident reports, or notes from meetings. Preparing this information ensures we can assess your situation thoroughly and provide tailored guidance.
- Case assessment and strategy – Once your information is reviewed, our solicitors evaluate the key issues, explain your legal rights, and outline the most suitable approach — whether that’s advisory guidance, internal resolution, or further action to protect your position.
- Take action – After agreeing on a plan, we support you throughout the process, helping you communicate effectively with your employer, negotiate practical adjustments, or take the steps necessary to protect your wellbeing. We keep you informed at every stage, helping you safeguard your rights and confidence at work.
Harcourt Stirling Solicitors is committed to helping employees navigate health and safety concerns and address potentially unsafe working conditions with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Our unsafe working conditions specialists
Unsafe working conditions matters we specialise in
Selected unsafe working conditions resources
Selected unsafe working conditions case studies
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Frequently Asked Unsafe Working Conditions Questions
Is there a regulation for health and safety at work?
Yes — in the UK, health and safety at work is governed primarily by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which sets out the core legal framework requiring employers to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. Under this Act, employers must take steps that are reasonably practicable to prevent harm and manage risks to workers’ health and safety.
The law also applies to employees, who are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and to avoid actions that could endanger the wellbeing of colleagues or others in the workplace.
Examples of employer responsibilities at work include:
- Carrying out risk assessments consistently
- Providing training and information to their staff
- Keeping the workplace and any equipment used safe
Examples of employee responsibilities at work include:
- Following protocols to take reasonable care for their own health and safety
- Reporting anything that looks off such as hazards or defects at work
- Using equipment (including PPE) given correctly
What are examples of unsafe working conditions?
Unsafe working conditions are situations where the health, safety, or wellbeing of employees is at risk. Examples include:
- Faulty or poorly maintained equipment – Machines, tools, or electrical systems that are broken, damaged, or not properly inspected can cause accidents or injuries.
- Hazardous environments or materials – Exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, excessive noise, or other dangerous substances without adequate protection.
- Inadequate safety procedures or training – Lack of clear policies, missing personal protective equipment (PPE), or insufficient guidance on handling risks can lead to harm.
Employees experiencing any of these conditions have the right to raise concerns with their employer and seek guidance on protecting their safety at work. If you’re unsure whether conditions at your workplace are safe, contact Harcourt Stirling Solicitors for a free consultation and expert guidance on your next steps.
Note: This page explains your employment rights when unsafe working conditions lead to detriment or dismissal. If your situation involves a physical injury — such as a workplace accident — our Personal Injury team can help you explore compensation options alongside your employment law advice.
What to do if you feel unsafe in the workplace?
If you feel unsafe at work, it’s important to act promptly and protect yourself while following the correct steps:
- Report the concern internally – Notify your manager, supervisor, or health and safety officer about the unsafe condition in writing if possible (or verbally).
- Document everything – Keep a record of hazards, incidents, emails, and conversations relating to the unsafe condition. Photographs or logs can help support your case.
- Follow workplace procedures – Check company health and safety policies to see how risks should be reported and addressed.
- Seek guidance – Contact Harcourt Stirling Solicitors for expert advice on your rights and next steps regarding unsafe working conditions.
- Do not ignore serious risks – If there’s imminent danger, remove yourself from the situation if it’s safe to do so — The Employment Rights Act protects employees who take reasonable steps to protect themselves.
What evidence should I gather about unsafe working conditions?
It depends on the type of hazard, defect, or health and safety worry, but gathering the right evidence can help protect your rights.
Key evidence includes:
- Photographs or videos of hazards, unsafe equipment, dangerous areas, or poor workplace conditions such as inadequate lighting.
- Written records of incidents, near misses, accidents, or situations causing excessive stress or overwhelming workloads, including dates, times, and descriptions.
- Correspondence with your employer, such as emails or memos reporting concerns or requests for improvements.
- Policies and risk assessments provided by your employer or internal guidance documents.
- Witness statements from colleagues who have observed unsafe conditions or health and safety issues.
If you need help reviewing your evidence or understanding your next steps, contact Harcourt Stirling Solicitors for a free consultation.
Can I be dismissed for raising health and safety issues?
Under section 44 and section 100 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, employees are protected from detriment or dismissal for raising health and safety concerns or refusing to work in circumstances they reasonably believe pose a serious and imminent danger.
Employers cannot lawfully punish, dismiss, or treat an employee unfairly for reporting unsafe conditions, hazards, or breaches of health and safety regulations.
However:
- Employees are expected to raise concerns responsibly, and following internal procedures is generally advisable where it is safe and practical to do so.
- False, malicious, or bad‑faith allegations may lead to disciplinary action.
- Keeping written records of concerns, incidents, and communications can help demonstrate that issues were raised reasonably and in good faith.
How does the free initial consultation work?
Harcourt Stirling Solicitors offers a free initial consultation to discuss health and safety at work. The initial consultation lasts up to 30 minutes.
It allows you to speak with an employment law specialist, learn about your options, and ask any questions you may have.
Harcourt Stirling Solicitors understand how difficult it can be to speak about sensitive and confidential employment matters during the normal working day – and so you can email us (or fill out the contact form) at anytime and we’ll do our best to respond to your enquiry.
How can I contact Harcourt Stirling Solicitors for advice on health and safety at work?
You can give us a call at 020 3627 6074 from Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and one of our specialists will be happy to assist you.
Alternatively, you can fill out the contact form on our website and we’ll do our best to respond to your health and safety at work enquiry as soon as we can.
What are your legal fees and do you offer "No Win, No Fee"?
We understand that cost is a major consideration. Each matter will be weighed on its merits to determine which fee structure to apply to the individual client.
After taking your instructions and assessing your case, we will agree on one of the following funding methods with you:
- No Win, No Fee (CFA): for cases with strong merits, we may work under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), meaning you do not pay legal fees unless your claim is successful.
- Fixed Fee: for specific tasks, we can work on a fixed fee basis to be agreed on engagement.
- Hourly Rates: for other matters, we apply our standard hourly rates as per our terms and conditions.
We will ensure you have a clear understanding of the applicable fees before we begin any work.