About the Speakers

Dame Janet Smith :Retired Judge of the Court of Appeal: Lady Justice Janet Smith needs no introduction to practitioners, and we are very honoured that she has kindly agreed to "judge" the "mock Appeal" which will be the afternoon's proceedings.

George Proud:Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Newcastle upon Tyne: George has been examining claimants in HAVS cases, instructed by both claimants and defendants, for many years. He has a national reputation in this area and has spoken at previous symposia

Dr Chris Nelson:Consultant Engineer, R H Mitchell and Associates and ex-HSE Specialist Inspector (Noise and Vibration), Leicestershire.: A Consultant with over 25 years' professional experience in noise, vibration and other health and safety matters. HM Specialist Inspector (Noise and Vibration) with the Health and Safety Executive (1997 to 2007). He has extensive knowledge and experience of risk assessment, control and management for occupational noise and vibration - www.rhma.co.uk/staff.aspx

Michael Spencer QC:Barrister, Crown Office Chambers: Leading Silk, experience in many substantial disease cases for both Claimant and Defendant: most recently ,the Atomic Veteran's Litigation.

Michael Rawlinson QC, Barrister, Kings Chambers, Manchester.:Barrister, Kings Chambers, Manchester.: Extensive experience in Industrial Disease claims, he has been involved in nearly all the recent leading cases on asbestos, vibration, EL insurance and related matters, instructed by both Claimants and Defendants

Catherine Foster:Barrister, Crown Office Chambers, London.: Catherine Foster specialises in all forms of Industrial Disease litigation and is regularly instructed to advise on generic issues.

Ian Lawson:Chief Medical Officer, Rolls Royce Plc: Ian is a past President of the Society of Occupational Medicine, and a Fellow of both the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (Royal College of Physicians) and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Andrew Roy:Barrister, 12 Kings Bench Walk: Andrew is experienced in all aspects of Industrial Disease Litigation and has a particular interest in limitation.

Steven Mason:Consultant, RH Mitchell & Associates: He was Deputy Head of the Ergonomics Branch of British Coal [formerly part of The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM)] and is now the Principal Human Factors Consultant for HSEC Ltd. He has prepared approximately 300 reports since 1996 for Civil Litigation purposes and has given evidence in County Courts. His specialist areas are Work Related Upper Limb Disorders, Manual Handling, and Postures.

Professor Tim Davis FRCS:Consultant, Nottingham University School of Clinical Sciences Division of Orthopaedic and Accident Surgery: Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)- work related upper arm pain. Hand surgery. Hand, nerve and wrist injuries, including scaphoid fractures. Diseases of the hand, including thumb osteoarthritis.

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