Law firm BLM brought on board to benefit installer network at Gate Safe

BLM is an insurance risk and commercial law firm with both a domestic and international focus. The business has been recognised by The Times as one of the Best Law Firms in 2021. 

The BLM Health and Safety team has a solid track record in providing immediate legal advice and representation to gate installers in managing police, Health and Safety Executive and local authority investigations and prosecutions. The team members assist in incident investigation, interviews under caution, attending inquests and all court hearings. 

Health and Safety law

Gate Safe is working principally with Helen Devery and Nick Gianferrari who are partners at BLM and experts in Health and Safety law. Both have acted for individual installers and companies charged with breaches of Health and Safety including allegation of gross negligence and corporate manslaughter. 

Devery and Gianferrari will now act as legal advisors to Gate Safe, providing installers with access to their experienced team for assistance if they need to seek legal guidance in relation to any automated gate dispute. 

To date, BLM has delivered a podcast to the Gate Safe community which addresses the legal responsibilities for any installer involved in the installation of automated gates. In addition, a clear and concise factsheet has been produced to help installers understand the importance of adhering to the appropriate safety protocol in order to avoid loss of reputation and costly litigation.

Specialist legal counsel 

Commenting on the arrangement with BLM, Gate Safe founder Richard Jackson told Security Matters (an official Gate Safe Supporter): “It’s important to provide our members with access to the very best specialist legal counsel. Gate Safe has always promoted the fact that its key strength lies in the ability to offer independent and 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.”

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