Health and Safety Bulletin – March 2020

Welcome to the latest edition of our Health and Safety update.

Takeaway owner jailed for poor kitchen hygiene

A 62-year-old man, Zhi Zhao, has been jailed for running an “unspeakably dirty” kitchen whilst banned from operating a food business. Grace Chinese takeaway was located in Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire and concerns were first raised about the business in 2015.

Pub fined following customer’s allergic reaction

A pub in Charlbury, Oxfordshire, has been fined after a 15-year old customer suffered an anaphylactic reaction to eggs.

Corporate manslaughter acquittal following death of waste transfer station worker

The Defendants, Ace Waste Haulage Limited and its boss Mr Evers, have been found not guilty of corporate manslaughter and s37 HSWA charges respectively, following a three-week trial at the Old Bailey.

Tesco supermarket fined £733,333 as pensioner breaks hip

In August 2015, a 91-year old pensioner fell and suffered injuries requiring extensive surgery, after slipping in pool of liquid at a Tesco Extra store. The incident raised concerns about Tesco’s compliance with sections 2 and 3 of the HSWA 1974.

Company receives fine 5 years after workers death

Contractor McGee has been fined £500,000 five years after worker, Dainius Rupsys, died on a building site at Grosvenor Square, London, on 14 April 2014. He was fatally injured after a demolished 12 square metre concrete slab fell through the second floor to the first-floor level.

£75,000 charity donation prevents environmental prosecution for recycling breaches

 Pet food manufacturer, Kennelpak Ltd, agreed to the Enforcement Undertaking after an investigation by the Environment Agency established that the company had failed to appreciate their obligations under the Producer Responsibility (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2007.

Party boat owner fined for colliding with police dock and vessel

Daniel Wakefield, the captain and owner of a passenger boat, recently pleaded guilty to conduct endangering ships, structures or individuals, under s58 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

Gas Fitter jailed for unsafe gas work

A self-employed gas fitter, who previously featured on BBC Watchdog, has been jailed for  16 months.

Coronavirus advice for employers

The Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) and Public Health England (PHE) are leading the UK government response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Fire Safety Bill introduced by the Home Office

The intention of the Bill is to drive improvements in fire safety. The Bill proposes amendments to  the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which will clarify duties of the responsible person  or duty-holder for multi-occupied residential buildings.

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