London laundry fined for workplace risks
Health & Safety update 17/10/2011
A London laundry business will have to pay out more than £7,000
after failing to comply with two separate Improvement Notices
issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Niva UK (Ltd), which trades as Sunbeam Laundry, had been issued
the notices during a routine inspection by HSE officers in May
2010. The notices were aimed at eliminating potential hazards in
the workplace for the company's employees.
One of the notices called for the removal of items from the
walkways in the premises, including a stairway and the entrance to
the women's toilet. The other notice demanded a review of how much
the staff had to lift and handle laundry.
A return visit two months later found that both of the notices
had been ignored, the City of London Magistrates' Court heard last
week, and the company was continuing to expose its employees to
risk. Niva UK was fined £2,000 after pleading guilty to two
separate breaches of Section 33 (1)(g) of the Health and Safety at
Work etc and ordered to pay £5,062 in costs.
HSE inspector, Claire Hawkes, said that companies were bound by
law to provide clear walkways so that employees are able to move
around safely without risking injury from falling over, and to
minimise risks stemming from heavy or cumbersome lifting.
"Niva UK Ltd turned a blind eye to both of these requirements,"
she said. "HSE will continue to take action against companies who
shirk their responsibilities in this way. Employers who do not
comply with enforcement notices are very likely to find themselves
in Court."
If you would like further information,
and already subscribe to
RBS
Mentor, please call
the Advice
Service. If you would like more information on
how Mentor could help your business in situations like this and
many others, contact
us today for
information.
Next Story - Sliding scale suggested for
tribunal fees
Previous story - HSE charge plans draw
criticism