My regular readers will have been reminded in my last three articles that they are always subject to the law and likely to be held liable for any mishap. This month I want to look at the various ways in which different branches of the law can impinge on the deerstalker’s activities.
The overarching legislation of importance is health and safety law. I know full well that the reaction of many countrymen to the mere mention of the dreaded “elphin safety” is to groan and say we should all man up. Say what one likes, the Health & Safety Executive calls the shots. It has the power to investigate and prosecute and its prosecutions can lead to eye watering fines. Not everyone is aware that the health and safety legislation covers not just employees but also visitors and volunteers. More often than not, the H&SE will wheel out other enforcement proceedings after there has been an accident.