A cosmetics company in Yorkshire has been fined more than £50,000 after an inspection by Britain’s workplace regulator uncovered serious electrical failings.
Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted an unannounced inspection at the premises of Sabel Cosmetics Limited on Pellon Lane in Halifax on 5 July 2022.
During the visit, the inspectors uncovered electrical deficiencies that posed serious risks of both electric shock and electrocution to workers.
A subsequent investigation by HSE found there was a systemic failure within the company to address the risks identified with the electrical systems. The inadequate construction and maintenance of the electrical system at the premises presented an immediate risk of employees coming into direct contact with exposed live parts on equipment and machinery within the company premises. The company allowed the breaches to subsist over a long period of time.
Sabel Cosmetics Ltd of Pellon Lane, Halifax, West Yorkshire pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 (1) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. The company has been fined £56,695 and ordered to pay £5,949 in costs.
After the hearing, 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.”
Notes to editors:
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
- More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
- Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
- HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so. The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences in England and Wales can be found here and for those in Scotland here.
- HSE guidance about electrical safety is available.
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