A company was fined for endangering staff by using electrical equipment in a dangerous condition

The director of a company in Eaglescliffe, admitted breaking several Health and safety laws. Teesside magistrates fined the company £1000 on each violation.

The HM factories inspector, Mr. Kay prosecuting for the Health & Safety Executive said, the electric cables and socket could have been fatal. The 240v-volt cable and socket linked to the forklift charger and grinder were badley damaged because they were not of heavy enough duty to withstand the harsh environment of the factory.

Ther sockets and cable had not been maintained in a good enough condition or protected adequately, with conductors exposed to the air, water and possible damage from vehicles or metal shards.

Electrical conductors could easily have been exposed to puddles. If anyone had stepped into the puddles they could have easily been electrocuted. Mr. Kay stated that the unsuitable lightweight equipment had been allowed to deteriorate.

The company director had been warned about the problem in a spot check carried out earlier in the year, however, it seemed nothing had been done to safeguard the workers from the danger on the second visit.

The firm should have bought heavy duty armoured cable, with 110-volt power supply and installed trip switches.

The director expressed that his negligence had cost his company significantly.

An Extract courtesy of the Darlington & Stockton Times