Solicitors specialising in health and safety law have joined up with barristers in the field to create a new body aimed at promoting their work and sharing ideas.

The Health and Safety Lawyers Association (HSLA), which will see an official launch in June, was set up in response to a lack of representation in the specialist area, and will also welcome academics and students.


The HSLA will be chaired by Madeleine Abas, a partner at Manchester firm Osborn Abas Hunt, with Lord Justice Scott Baker serving as president. The executive committee also includes vice-president Roger Henderson QC and Sean Elson, an assistant at London firm Kennedys, who will be secretary.


Mr Elson said many firms had been dealing with health and safety on an ad hoc basis, and the HSLA wanted to provide a forum for specialists in the area. 'This is an ever- changing area of law,' he added.