Department profile
Health & Safety
UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide
Rankings
Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
About
Provided by Burges Salmon LLP
We bring in-depth health and safety legal advice to help clients navigate their way through the full range of issues from compliance and governance to criminal prosecutions and inquests.
Clients value our sector expertise as part of our 24/7 emergency response and crisis management offering which brings together seamless multidisciplinary delivery.
Our expertise in the rail sector is unparalleled, including advising on every major UK rail accident since privatisation including Southall, Ladbroke Grove, Potters Bar, and Croydon.
We understand the pressures clients are under and the landscape they operate in, including a fast-changing regulatory environment, financial considerations, and reputational implications. We are well-placed to provide tailored legal advice that they can rely on and depend on, as we have sight of the whole picture.
Our service supports clients across health and safety investigations and enforcement proceedings brought by the police and regulators including enforcement notices and prosecutions, investigations conducted by independent safety investigatory bodies such as Rail Accidents Investigation Branch and Air Accidents Investigation Branch, inquests, internal investigations and regulatory compliance advisory work.
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Strengths
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They have got great attention to detail, work ethic and great client service.
Health & Safety respondentUKThey are responsive, experienced, pragmatic and very easy to deal with.
Health & Safety respondentUKBecause of their knowledgeable team, there is always someone available and able to handle matters.
Health & Safety respondentUK
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 Guy Bastable
Guy Bastable is renowned for his substantial experience handling fatal accident and corporate manslaughter issues. He provides counsel on investigations and prosecutions from a range of regulatory bodies including the Environment Agency and the HSE. He advises local authorities as well as organisations in the energy, entertainment and manufacturing sectors. He is a very tactical and astute lawyer.
Health & Safety respondentUK
Up and Coming 
Up and Coming Ben Davies
Ben Davies focuses his impressive health and safety practice on matters involving criminal regulatory investigations, inquests and public inquiries. Cases involve a wide range of sectors including construction and transport.
Ben Davies has really good judgement and isn't afraid to speak out where he disagrees. He has real confidence and ability.
Health & Safety respondentUK
Up and Coming 
Up and Coming Charlotte Whitaker
Charlotte is held in high regard for her ability to handle on complex matters, including HWSA investigations and cases involving corporate manslaughter charges.
She is excellent, brings really good experience, is an extremely clear communicator and is excellent at client handling.
Health & Safety respondentUKShe is probably the best solicitor I have ever worked with; she's a rare mix of being down to earth but also super-clever and super-organised.
Health & Safety respondentUKShe is very solid. She has that calm, methodical, objective-focused approach where you really feel you're in safe hands.
Health & Safety respondentUKShe really stepped up and goes the extra mile for clients.
Health & Safety respondentUK
Ranked Individuals at Burges Salmon LLP (3)
UK-wide
Guy Bastable
Health & Safety
View profile Ben Davies
Health & Safety
View profile Charlotte Whitaker
Health & Safety
View profile
Members
Provided by Burges Salmon LLP
Guy Bastable
View profile of Guy BastableBen Davies
View profile of Ben Davies
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