HSE (health, safety and the environment) – meaning work practices that safeguard people and the environment – is a priority for our clients. Companies that work with, or store, large quantities of hazardous substances, and are therefore subject to the Dutch Major Accidents Risks Decree 1999, are aware of their role in society and their responsibility to ensure that their practices are geared towards preventing industrial HSE accidents.
At Houthoff, we assist companies with issues such as changes in legislation and regulations, and the performance of compliance-related internal investigations. Our HSE Team advises companies facing official inspections or legal action following a disaster or claim. We analyse what is essential to our clients in this respect, and keep a close eye on all facets of the issue. The HSE Team offers our clients more than just legal advice.
A serious industrial disaster can affect confidence in a brand or business. This can impact the company’s reputation and stability. In addition, tighter national and EU laws and regulations mean that enforcement and penalties are no longer confined to the civil law arena, or to administrative law penalties. Companies and their directors are increasingly confronted with criminal law investigations and prosecution. A good understanding of this complex and layered regulatory framework is essential to cope with the potential consequences of an incident.
Houthoff’s HSE Team offers an efficient one-stop-shop approach. The team advises and, where necessary, litigates on the full spectrum of HSE matters from a civil law, administrative law and criminal law perspective. Our experience extends from risk prevention, compliance and regulation to incident response, contact with regulators, the performance of internal corporate and compliance investigations, and litigation (including mass claims). Moreover, in the event of a disaster or an unexpected visit from a regulator, our HSE Team offers 24/7 support and can be scaled up to any desired size or speciality.
We have been engaged in almost all of the large-scale incidents of recent years, from the fireworks disaster in Enschede to the devastating detention centre fire at Schiphol Airport, and from the blaze at Chemie-Pack to the collapse of two cranes in Alphen aan den Rijn. The HSE Team is regarded as a crucial player with extensive practical experience and characterised by its specific sector knowledge, excellent relationships with technical and scientific experts, and efficient approach.
