Gate Safe has partnered with a law firm to provide the Gate Safe Aware Installer network with access to legal counsel.

BLM is an insurance risk and commercial law firm with a domestic and international focus and the business has been recognised by The Times as one of the Best Law Firms in 2021. The BLM health and safety team offers legal advice and representation to gate installers in managing police, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authority investigations and prosecutions. They assist in incident investigation, interviews under caution, attending inquests and all court hearings.

Gate Safe is working principally with Helen Devery and Nick Gianferrari who are Partners at BLM and work in health and safety law. Both have acted for installers and companies charged with breaches of health and safety offences including gross negligence and corporate manslaughter.

Helen and Nick will act as legal advisors to the charity, to assist any installer who may seek legal guidance in relation to any automated gate dispute. To date, BLM has delivered a podcast to Gate Safe members which addressed the legal responsibilities for any installer involved in the installation of automated gates. A fact sheet has been produced to help installers understand the importance of adhering to the appropriate safety protocol to avoid loss of reputation and costly litigation.

Gate Safe founder Richard Jackson, pictured, said: “It is important to provide our members with access to the very best, specialist legal counsel. Gate Safe has always maintained its key strength lies in the ability to offer independent, impartial advice in plain English. Our focus is on generating improved awareness of the potential dangers associated with automated gates and barriers, and the steps that need to be taken to mitigate the risk of injury – or worse.

“It would be inappropriate for the charity to become involved in any legal case as this not only detracts from our credible independent stance, it also requires the expert knowledge and expertise that only a qualified legal practitioner can provide. We are delighted to be working with BLM and believe that the Gate Safe community will benefit considerably from the relationship that has been established.”