Pub Company fined after 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.”