Pub Company fined after worker suffered a potentially fatal electric shock
A PUB company which owns several premises in Warwick district has been fined after a worker suffered a potentially fatal electric shock
At a hearing at Nuneaton Magistrates Court on Thursday the Peach Pub Company Ltd which operates the Almanack restaurant in Kenilworth, The Rose and Crown in Warwick and The Star and Garter in Leamington pleaded guilty to two health and safety offences.
The Company was fined £15,000 and, prosecuting, Warwick District Council was awarded full costs of £6,675.
The Court heard that on in June 2012 a Polish agency worker, Agnes Sieczkowska, was working in the kitchen at the Almanack.
As she picked up a metal rimmed bucket from a stainless steel shelf below the waste disposal unit, she received a severe electric shock. Agnes had come into contact with a live electric cable protruding from the waste disposal unit control box.
She saw a flash of light, began shaking uncontrollably, and fell to the floor.
She was unable to break away from the metal rim of the bucket and lost consciousness for a short period of time.
She attempted to call out for assistance, but was unable to do so. Eventually a member of staff found her on the floor and an ambulance was called.
When Ms Sieczkowska was interviewed she said that she had suffered a less severe electric shock from the waste disposal unit about a month prior to the incident in question.
Ms Sieczkowska and a work colleague noticed a wire protruding from the waste disposal unit control box. The colleague reported his concern to the pub management but no action was taken to eliminate the risk of another employee suffering an electric shock. Agnes has been unable to return to work since the accident.
Cllr Michael Coker, the Warwick district councillor responsible for policy on the environment, said: “The risks associated with electricity, particularly in wet, high metal content environments, such as commercial kitchens, are well known. There was a clear potential in this case for serious injury and it was a matter of sheer luck that the employee did not receive a fatal electric shock.
“It is important that employers do not become complacent about the use and maintenance of electrical systems, and it is essential that businesses engage competent contractors to undertake planned maintenance.”
Email to a friend
Print this page- Conservatives lose overall control of Warwickshire County Council but no coalition planned
- Lions hail Southam fete ‘best ever’
- Outstanding production at Leamington’s Loft is full of warmth and humour
- 209 homes plan near Leamington will now go ahead
- Warwick youth theatre group’s magical play keeps audience spellbound
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leamington
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 13 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: East
