13th November 2024
Yorkshire Manufacturer Fined £56k After HSE Inspection Unveils Electrical Deficiencies
Halifax based Sabel Cosmetics Ltd (SCL) has received a fine of £56,695 and been ordered to pay legal costs of £5,949 having pled guilty to breaching Regulation 4 (1) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
The HSE conducted an unannounced visit to SCL’s Pellon Lane factory on 5th July 2022. The inspectors found that employees were at risk of coming into contact with exposed live parts on equipment and machinery – placing them at risk of electric shock or electrocution.
Upon further investigation, it transpired that there had been a systemic failure by SCL to address the risks posed by the electrical systems.
The system had not been inadequately constructed and maintenance regimes had not been implemented for a significant amount of time.
Despite there not having been an accident or incident, the HSE said that the system presented an ‘immediate risk’ to employees and took enforcement action.
Easily Avoidable
Following the guilty plea in court on 10th October 2024, HSE inspector Andrea Jones commented “This case shows the importance of HSE inspections to help ensure health and safety risks are being managed effectively and protect people at work.
“It is essential that electrical wiring installations and electrical equipment are constructed and maintained in a safe condition to prevent injuries or even worse, death.
“In this case, simple inexpensive steps could have been taken to remedy the most serious defects, instead the company’s inaction has resulted in more than £60,000 in fines and costs.”
“Not Adequately Dealth With”
A Sabel spokesperson said “We were completing a programme of works when the HSE inspected, but we accept that we had not adequately dealt with the risks.
We have made significant improvements since then and the electrical installation was approved in July 2023.”
This case highlights the importance of the role of appropriate electrical inspection and testing regimes.
Your Lighthouse Health & Safety Audit will cover this area of concern and provide you with appropriate action guidance where required.
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