Laundry Firm Fined over Ignoring Orders Linked to Ease Staff Move Hefty Loads
A laundry firm in Battersea was fined recently for not making enough efforts for safe carrying and transporting of bulky loads, in spite of being served notices by the HSE to do so.
The City of London Magistrates Court was informed that the property of Niva UK (Ltd), dealing as Sunbeam Laundry, was scrutinized by the HSE inspectors during a regular inspection on May 6, 2010. After scrutinizing the premises of the laundry firm located at the London Stone Business Estate, the HSE issued two improvement notices to the firm. The first improvement notice was given in relation to getting rid of the laundry bags and other objects that were kept at sidewalks, stairs and the entrance of women’s toilet. The second improvement notice was issued to the firm immediately to study and improve the below-standard conditions of holding and moving laundry. However when the HSE visited the laundry firm after two months to check if the conditions have been improved, they noticed that the laundry firm had not done anything to conform to either of the improvement notices. The staff members were found to be still lifting and carrying hefty loads, walking through obstructed sidewalks, which highly risked their chances of being wounded due to stumbling on the obstacles and falling.
The court heard both the parties, before declaring the laundry firm guilty to violating two different rules under Section 33 (1) (g) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Though the firm admitted guilty to the charges, it was penalized with £2000 plus £5,062 as pay costs.
Post the verdict; HSE Inspector Clare Hawkes stated that the current regulation needs companies to provide sidewalks that are devoid of any hindrances, to ensure that the staff can walk around easily, without the danger of falling and hurting themselves.
Clare Hawkes cautioned that the HSE would act against firms who shun their duties. In addition, firms, who are found not conforming to the HSE issued enforcement notices, will be taken to Court in all probability.
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